The family of Eva Beth Proskiw is saddened to announce her passing on August 3, 2021. Despite suffering from progressive dementia over the past eight years she remained cooperative and faced life’s final challenge with the stoicism and strength those who knew her came to expect. She passed away peacefully with family by her side.
Her husband of 68 years, Anton Proskiw, passed away in 2013. She is survived by her son, Dr. Bryan Proskiw (Judy) and daughter Elayne Jacobson. Eva had five grandchildren; Adam Proskiw (Martha Penner), Lora Proskiw Moran (Grayson), Brooke Sperling (Mike), Justin Jacobson and Lyndsay Jacobson as well as seven great-grandchildren; Noah, Quinten, Arlo, Isla, Avery, Addison and Brynn.
Eva was born on a farm in Beauvallon, Alberta on March 23, 1923 and given the name Verania by her parents. Her first grade teacher however, felt she should have an English name and she became Eva and her sister Lakaria, became Carolyn.
Eva’s parents, Mike and Katrina Melenchuk, had 11 children and she is survived by her younger sisters Carolyn and Ruth.
Eva loved school and music and obtained her Teachers Certificate from the University of Alberta after only one year of study. It was during her distinguished teaching career that she met her husband.
They married in 1945 and while Anton farmed, Eva taught in various schools in Alberta and B.C. They had two children and moved to the Okanagan where they managed Pleasant Meadows Care Facility and invested both their time and money into local businesses and properties. Eva’s life, however, centered around her family, faith in God and music. She was very involved in the Rutland Seventh Day Adventist Church and will be remembered as a strong, caring wife, a loving mother, a devoted grandmother, and great-grandmother who was fair but always spoke her mind.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Lake Country Manor, Dr. Nickerson, and Margaret Hossack who was a regular visitor.
The final funeral arrangements will be held at Valleyview Funeral Home with a small private family service. Due to the recent increase in the Covid19 Delta variant infections a formal funeral service will not be held.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Okanagan Christian School or the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyviewfuneralhome.com
