Mary Louise Nykiforuk, long-time resident of North Battleford, SK died on August 13, 2015 at Stensrud Lodge in Saskatoon. Born to Fritz and Evelyn Althouse of Nut Mountain at Wadena Hospital on December 8, 1946, Louise was a long-awaited little sister for Vic and Jim. In time Louise became a big sister to four more siblings. She attended school at Kelvington, and then went to Saskatoon Teachers’ College for one year. On July 23, 1966 she married Andrew Nykiforuk. The newlyweds began married life teaching in Ituna. After one year they moved to North Battleford where Louise began a long career in the Separate School System at St. Mary’s, St. Joseph’s and John Paul II Collegiate. Education was very important to Louise – not only was she a lifetime teacher but also a lifetime student. She achieved a Bachelor of Education and then a BA from the University of Saskatchewan, then while still working full time, completed her Masters of Education from the University of Oregon. Louise loved the arts – music, drama, art and especially quilting. Louise belonged to the Rivers Edge Quilters, Battleford Quilters and the Third Avenue Quilters. Louise was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Andrew Nykiforuk, her father Fritz Althouse and her nephew Patrick Althouse. She leaves to mourn her mother Evelyn Althouse of Kelvington, SK; brothers Vic (Cicely) Althouse of Kelvington, SK, Jim (Bernice) Althouse of Kelvington, SK, and Dennis (Annette) Althouse of Yellowknife, NWT; sisters Dorothy (Ed) Hunchak of Dalmeny, SK, Ruth (Eugene) Chorney of Rose Valley, SK, and Betty Althouse (Miles Jorgenson) of Muenster, SK; honorary sisters Patricia Thorneloe of Vancouver, BC and Margaret-Anne McLennan of Victoria, BC; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, all with great memories of Aunt Louise. Funeral Mass for Louise was held on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. from St. Vital Roman Catholic Church, Battleford, SK with Reverend Father Greg Elder as Celebrant. Interment took place at the City of North Battleford Cemetery. Donations in memory of Louise may be made to the Children’s Wish Foundation, 3602 Millar Ave, Saskatoon, SK S7P 0B1. Those wishing to leave condolences may do so at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca. Arrangements have been entrusted to Trevor Watts of Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium.
