Elizabeth Mary Melenchuk

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Elizabeth on August 7, 2011 at the age of 87. She has gone to her eternal home to be with our Lord. Elizabeth was predeceased by her loving husband Samuel, son Christopher, her parents Steven and Victoria (nee Hordos) Toth, sisters Victoria, Mary and Anne and brothers Steve, John, Joseph and Elmer. Elizabeth is survived by her brothers and sisters, James, Louis, Leslie and Helen and her loving children, Linda (Dale Degenstein), Allan (Judy), Helen (Bob Murray), James (Donna), Tas, Ron (Louise), Janet (Bob Kerr) Fred (Susan), 18 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. Elizabeth was born on July 26, 1924 in the Lestock District of Saskatchewan. She was raised in a rural setting with a large loving family stewarded by the strong role models of her mother and father who were Catholic patriarchs in their community. She was married to Samuel John Melenchuk on May 24th, 1948 at St. Elizabeth's Church and together they enjoyed 31 years of joyful marriage until Samuel's death in 1979. Together they raised eight children in Regina. Elizabeth modelled the faith-based values and loving family relationships from her upbringing in the raising of her own children. Elizabeth, Betty to her friends and family, lived her life with deep Catholic faith and commitment to and support of the Church, extended bible study and works of charity. She was particularly devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary who she prayed to for intervention in times of deep personal or family crisis. She was a Good Shepherd always ready to help those in need, the sick and the downtrodden. She was a life-long member of the Catholic Women's League giving generously of her time and talents for over forty years to its many causes. She was a strong advocate for her children to pursue their extended formal education. She encouraged and supported their endeavours in their many chosen fields at great personal sacrifice. Her extraordinary perseverance and organizational and financial skills allowed her to successfully guide the family through many of life's challenges. Elizabeth was an excellent cook and was admired for her hospitality and traditional Hungarian cuisine. Her many friends and family will attest to her formidable skills at the many card games that she enjoyed. Some of her other favourite pastimes included knitting, crocheting and gardening. Elizabeth always enjoyed the simple things in life, the company of family and friends, the many family summer vacations and time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She always seemed satisfied with what others did for her. Elizabeth touched the lives of all whom she encountered and will be lovingly remembered for her humble, good-natured personality, her endless compassion, her willingness to help others, her gift for making friends easily, and her ability to maintain a positive perspective despite adversity. Elizabeth will be sorely missed by her family and friends and her cherished memory and spirit will live on in those she leaves behind. Prayer service will be held on Sunday August 14, 2011 at 7PM at Lee Funeral Home and Crematorium, 3101 Dewdney Ave., Regina, SK. Funeral service will be held on Monday August 15, 2011 at 11:00AM at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 5020 Sherwood Drive, Regina, SK. Interment will follow at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery, 815 Assiniboine Ave. East, Regina, SK. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saskatchewan Pro-Life Association, PO Box 27093, Avonhurst RPO, Regina SK, S4R 8R8.

Arrangements under the direction of Lee Funeral Home and Crematorium, Regina, SK.