Teena (Yamniuk) Andrichuk

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters Cheryl (Paul) and Gjoa; grandchildren Laura Stusiak (David), Krista Stusiak (Justin), Tegan Stusiak, Julien Hart (Nofar) and Liam Hart (Riley); four great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, and other cherished family members.

Teena was predeceased by siblings Nicholas Yamniuk and Mary Burdeny, ex-husband Bill Andrichuk, and, as the last of a generation, many dear friends.

Teena was born on the family farm near Preeceville, Saskatchewan, and often shared stories of her childhood. She recalled the winter mornings when she would chip ice to melt on the wood-burning stove for washing and drinking; the wonder of Corn Flakes once a year when they were purchased for the threshing crew; the joy of getting an apple wrapped in paper at Christmas; and her first taste of ice cream as a teenager at a local fair.

Teena attended elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse. It was a long walk by road to get to, but much faster in winter, cutting across the snowy fields on wooden skis made by her brother Nick. When she was a youngster, her family moved, walking for five days as their horse pulled a wagon filled with all their belongings, and their cow followed behind. Her mother told Teena that she walked and skipped the whole way to their new home. These stories epitomize Mom. Those early days forged her appreciation of simple pleasures, the value of a good education, and an indomitable spirit that always propelled her forward to proactively make her life better.

When she was a teenager, the family moved to Edmonton, where she met and married Bill. When Bill got a job with CN Railway, they moved to Jasper and she set up their home in a garage with no plumbing. From there, they moved to Edmonton and purchased their first home. Teena held many jobs, including baking pies in a bowling alley cafe, working as a telephone operator and as a meat department clerk at Safeway until her children were born. When Bill was transferred to the West Coast, they settled in Burnaby, where they built a number of homes over the years. From humble beginnings, they were grateful for all they were able to achieve.

In her 50s and 60s, Mom worked at a travel agency which gave her the opportunity to travel the world: Egypt, Europe, Siberia and across the US and Canada. Her favourite trip was a visit to her mother’s village in Ukraine. She said her mother had described it so many times that she felt like she had been there before.

Mom believed in working hard, saving pennies (she always asked for a discount), and forgiveness. She kept an impeccable house and made the best apple pie in the world. Life wasn’t always easy for Mom, but she never complained; her grit, practicality and high standards are a lasting legacy that will carry forward through the generations. Family was everything to Mom. Her daughters and grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she always encouraged them to reach for their dreams.

Mom was a stylish dresser and loved coordinating “bling” to her wardrobe. She remembered extended family’s birthdays and was gleeful if she was the first to call you on your special day––even if it meant waking you up! She was a good friend to many and built community and a real home at Harmony Court in the years she was there.

We were lucky to have her for so many years in good health and a mind sharp as a tack. We miss you, Mom.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff of Harmony Court Independent Living who became her friends over the 15 years she lived there. We are also grateful to all the women who cared for her with kindness and smiles during her final weeks.

A celebration of Mom’s life will be held in the summer.

Memorial donations may be made to Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral. Please include the memo: In memory of Teena Andrichuk towards the “Help Us Help Ukraine” fund. (www.heucc.co/donate)