June Agnes Babiak

On behalf of our family, we sadly announce the unexpected passing of our beloved mother June (‘Baba’) Agnes Babiak on August 27, 2018, at the age of 81 years. June passed away peacefully at the Grey Nuns Hospital surrounded by family at her side. June was born in Edmonton, Alberta to Joseph and Mary Chamulka and lived on the family farm in Nisku until she married. June was a devoted, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, sister in-law, aunt and friend. She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her four children Debbie (Bill), Donna (Brad), Raymond (Laura-Lynn) Jeannette (Harry), seven grandchildren, Dennis (Nichol), Stuart, Christopher, Kimberley, Matthew, Jessica, Lexi, and one great grandchild, Harper-Rose along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is also survived by her twin sister Marjorie (Marge) Pewarchuk; brother Gerald (Jerry) Chamulka and sisters-in- law June Chamulka and Stella Chamulka. She was predeceased by and rejoins her parents, Joseph and Mary (Sopel) Chamulka, brother-in-law Doug McIntosh, brother Sigmond (Blondie) Chamulka, brother-in-law John Pewarchuk and sister Helen McIntosh.

Our mother selflessly dedicated her life to taking care of her family. We will always be eternally grateful for all that she has given us. Her children always were her pride and joy. She often remarked on how ‘we meant the world to her’. She instilled in her children the values that shaped our character and provided us with the necessary skills for a solid foundation for life. Love, respect and the significance of family were the most important values and these will be carried on as her legacy.

Our mother was caring, nurturing and truly considerate of others’ feelings in all circumstances. She was everyone’s ‘Baba’ to a friend and family alike. Mama always had time to offer a sympathetic ear and constantly put others’ needs before her own. She brought a genuine smile to those who met her and often shared her engaging humour.

One of our mother’s passions was gardening and she took great pride in her flowers. She had the patience, perseverance and a love to grow and nurture her own garden so everyone could enjoy the beautiful flowers or fresh vegetables. She also enjoyed cooking but baking was truly her favourite pastime. She always had a meal enough for a family ready on the stove as someone was always stopping by. Along with her meals were deliciously baked cakes, cookies, pies and squares that were always ready for family and friends to enjoy. Her most popular phrase was “Go eat, that’s what it’s there for!’ and good luck if you DIDN’T eat!!

As time moved on, her mobility was becoming increasingly challenging so she retired from gardening and took up knitting and colouring. Whenever she would knit anything, she would be her own worst critic but chuckled at the same time with humour at all the extra stitches she added only create oblong scarves and blankets. Her joy of colouring created a work of art collection that we all continue to enjoy.

She was a very humble individual who enjoyed the simple things in life. Mama was most comfortable using the old pots that still worked, wearing clothes that were still comfortable and always found ways to make anything useful and purposeful. She was immensely resourceful and lived within her means as this gave her great pride to be as independent and self-sufficient as possible. She was a fierce advocate for anyone and selflessly always put the well-being of others’ interests above her own.

Mama is, and always will be, profoundly missed in this life. Her time with us was too short. Her spirit and the memories of time spent together with her will live on within each of us. We wish her eternal peace in her spiritual journey.

All our love now and always,

Your Kids and Family

Xoxo

Cremation has taken place. A colourful celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 14th, 2018 at 3:00 P.M. at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, Hwy 19, Nisku, Alberta, followed by interment at Holy Trinity Cemetery. Directions: AB-2 take AB-19/Exit 525 west, travel 5.8 km.

The family would like you to join them for fellowship and luncheon at the RedTail Landing Golf Club (near Edmonton International Airport) at 4:00 P.M.

On behalf of our family, we would like to express our gratitude and heartfelt thank you to the Grey Nun’s Hospital Emergency Ward and to Nursing Station #44 who provided compassion and comfort for our Mama during her final days. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Donations in support of Heart and Stroke foundation may be made in lieu of sending flowers.

To sign the book of condolences and to share memories with the family, please visit https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/edmonton-ab/june-babiak-7978430