Nettie Chaykowski

      If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Nettie Chaykowski. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Nettie was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

       She was the daughter of Andrew and Theodora Orschy. Nettie was raised in Rose Valley, Saskatchewan. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Nettie was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Nettie's personality throughout her life.

      Though Nettie was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Nettie was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Nettie worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Nettie was raised with two siblings. She had one younger brother, Tony, and one younger sister, Ann. Nettie and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Nettie was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Nettie was always tactful. One thing Nettie will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Nettie had a number of interests and was an active child. In her spare time she liked gardening and crocheting and reading. Nettie's memorable achievements included she won the Robin Hood bread baking contest in Rose Valley, SK.

      There was one thing that all of Nettie's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Nettie was such a popular person throughout her life. But Nettie was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Nettie was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Nettie was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Nettie was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Nettie was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Nettie made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. Later in life, she became friends with Ken and Vivian Tainaka, Carrie Tecaric, Jean, and Ann Mallach.

      Nettie was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Nettie cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On November 8, 1942 Nettie married Paul Chaykowski at Ukrainian Catholic Church of Fosston, Saskatchewan. Compassionate and devoted, Nettie worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Nettie and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Nettie was blessed with three children, two sons, Harry and Freddie, and one daughter, Dianne. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, David, Tammy, Joseph, Jennifer and Jordon. Nettie was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Nettie was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Nettie would listen before she would act.

      Taking her work seriously came naturally to Nettie, and she expected the same from those around her. Nettie was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Nettie was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Nettie handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was housewife. She was employed for KGE Packing House for 11 years. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

      A methodical woman, Nettie enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were gardening, growing flowers, crocheting and reading.

     Her high moral standards and traditional values served Nettie well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Kelowna 35 years. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

      Not only did Nettie enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included the bus tours with her husband to California and Nevada.

      Nettie passed away on March 24, 2016 at Overlander Extended Care in Kamloops, BC. She started having health issues in October of 2015, her actual cause of death was sepsis and a blood cancer. She is survived by her children Dianne and Freddie Allen; her grandchildren David, Tammy, Joseph, Jennifer, and Jordon; her great grandchildren Shianna, Skyla, Jessica, Cody, and Branden; her sister in law Helen and brother in law Bill. Services were held at Valleyview Funeral Home in Kelowna, BC. Nettie was laid to rest in Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery in Kelowna, BC.

      Nettie was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Nettie was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Nettie Chaykowski.

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CHAYKOWSKI, Nettie (nee Orschy)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mom, Nettie Chaykowski on March 24, 2016 at Overlander Extended Care in Kamloops at the age of 92. Nettie was born on April 1, 1923 in Poland to parents Andrew and Theodora Orschy. They immigrated to Canada in 1930 and farmed near Rose Valley, SK. This is where Nettie grew up and went to school at Pipestone Creek. She helped with cooking, cleaning and farm work at a very young age. In 1942 she married Paul Chaykowski and they farmed near Rose Valley for 24 years. This is where their 3 children were born and raised; Harry, Dianne and Freddie Allen. In 1950 their first 2 children contacted Polio and they lost their firstborn, Harry at the age of 6. In 1966 they decided to move to Kelowna, BC. Nettie worked at KGE Packing House for 11 years. Nettie loved her garden, canning and cooking for family and friends. She loved flowers and filled her home with them and in later years with silk flowers. In 1982 Nettie lost her husband Paul to a brain tumour. In 1992 she moved into a condo and lived there for 20 years until moving to Sun Pointe Village in 2012. She loved Sun Pointe and considered it home, she was very loved there and loved everyone in turn. Her health started to fail late in 2015 and the decision was made to move her to Overlander Extended Care in Kamloops to be near her daughter this is where she resided until her passing. Nettie is survived by her children Dianne (Len) Keir of Kamloops, Freddie Allen Chaykowski of Vernon, her five grandchildren; David Keir of Kamloops, Tammy (Trevor) Hansen of Fort MacMurray, AB, Joseph, Jennifer, Jordan Chaykowski of Kelowna, her five great-grandchildren Shianna, Skyla, Jessica, Branden and Cody as well as nieces and nephews; Paul, Steve, Stephanie, Kathy, Judy and Don. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Helen Orschy of Canora, SK. and brother-in-law Bill Wowk of Chilliwack. Nettie was predeceased by her husband Paul, son Harry, sister Ann Wowk, brother Tony Orschy and by her parents Andrew and Theodora Orschy. A special Thank you to Bonnie and her staff at Sun Pointe Village for the special care and love you gave her. She so appreciated and loved you all, also to the staff at Overlander Extended Care in Kamloops thank you for your loving care and support you gave our mom and our family in her final month. A Funeral Service will be held at Valleyview Funeral Home, 165 Valleyview Road, Kelowna on April 1st, 2016 at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, 1991 Bernard Avenue. In lieu of flowers a donation to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.valleyviewfuneralhome.com . Arrangements entrusted to Valleyview Funeral Home, 250-765-3147.