Annie A. Melnychuk

MELNYCHUK - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Annie Agnes Melnychuk, late of North Battleford on February 25, 2011 at the age of 89 years. Annie was born on July 26, 1921 at Oscar Lake, Saskatchewan. She married Walter Serool in 1941 and they farmed at Ibstone, SK. They had five children: Lillian, Victor, Lloyd, Diane & Donald. She was widowed in 1957. She married Paul Melnychuk at Radisson, SK in 1963. They farmed at Borden, Ruddell, Denholm, and Willow Heights areas and was widowed in 1996.

Annie was known for: “Her Chickens”; she knew all breeds and their colors. She cared for her baby chicks, and sold her chickens and eggs. She was also known for making her delicious perogies. She enjoyed crocheting, afghans, embroidery, and cross word puzzles - at which she was a whiz.

She was a “country girl”. She tried living the city life, each time returning back to the country. It was only in her later years, after she was widowed for the second time did she move and stay in the city. Annie loved and was proud of all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was especially proud of her great- grand daughters Jessica and Jocelyn for their Ukrainian dancing and the different costumes they would wear.

Annie had the qualities of a survivor: she was a strong person when she had to be; weak when nobody was watching; caring and compassionate, in the right measurements; above all was a “thinker” who knew all the different recipes for these ingredients; and for the icing, add a good sense of humour.

Annie is survived by her sons: Victor Serool (special friend Gail) of Edmonton, AB and Lloyd (Joyce) Serool of North Battleford; daughter Diane (Ted) Blake of Alberta Beach, AB; daughter in law Jamie Serool of Saskatoon, SK; sister Evelyn Prystupa of Princeton, BC; brother Sylvestor (Daisy) Letwinetz of Westbank, BC; sisters in law Viola Letwinetz of Saskatoon, SK and Mary Letwinetz of Kelowna, BC; as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents Fred and Mary (nee Belyk) Letwinetz; husbands Walter Serool (1957) and Paul Melnychuk (1996); sisters Edna (Barney) Glauser and Sylvia (Nick) Chirpilo; brothers Bill and Pete Letwinetz; daughter Lillian (Richard) Sumka; son Donald Serool; daughter in law Geraldine Serool.

Funeral Service was held on Wednesday March 2 from the Chapel of Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home with Reverend Fred Tinio officiating. Interment took place at the City of North Battleford Cemetery. The family has requested that donations in memory of Annie Agnes Melnychuk be made to Battlefords Union Hospital Palliative Care 3rd West, PO Box 1358, North Battleford, S9A 3L8. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Kristeen Nylander of Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home, North Battleford. 445-6886.