It is always a difficult day when we must say “so long” to our dear mother. The children of Rosie Parfieniuk of Spruce Grove are saddened to announce her passing on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at the age of 87 years.
Rosie is survived by her children: Robert from Australia, Victor (Tammy) from Carvel, Linda (Ed) Hilkowich from Manville, Anita (Rick) McKay and Diana (Brian) Beanblossom, both from Spruce Grove; five grandchildren: Christopher (Daly), Amanda, Nadine (Andrew), Shane (Mandy) and Chase; four great-grandchildren; Owen, Lily, Elli and Harriet. Her brothers: Nick (Pat) Barnay from Edmonton, Peter Barnay from Devon and Bill (Jennie) Barnay from Kelowna; three sisters: Mary Onyschuk from Stony Plain, Lydia MacKnee from Edmonton and Nancy (Rick Wilmont) VanLeerdam from Edmonton, Sisters in-law Jean Shepel, Nancy Baird and Olga Lucas as well as numerous other relatives and many friends.
She was predeceased by her loving husband Sydney, Mom Nadia, Dad Alex and her brother Walter.
Rosie was born Feb 17, 1935 to Nadia and Alex Barnay in Horn Alberta. She grew up with seven siblings and had to either ride horses or walk to get anywhere. Living in a farming community she had to work real hard, picking rocks, herding the cows and then milking them, gardening, harvesting and babysitting her younger siblings. All the food and animals that were grown on the farm were harvested and had to feed 10 people. There were no fridges so they had to use a root cellar to store food. Can you imagine doing this today?
Rosie met Sydney Parfieniuk at a dance at Jack Pine corner. They dated and then married on June 24, 1955. Syd had purchased property two miles north of the hamlet Tomahawk. This is where they began their 55 year marriage. Their first house was a one room log cabin. They had their first child in this house.
They built a new house on the same property that they moved into in 1958. Raising Five children and farming a mixed farm on this site until the late 80’s. They then purchased their home in Spruce Grove and enjoyed their retirement. Syd had passed away in 2011; Rosie had stayed in the house until she could no longer take care of everything. Whispering Waters was her home for a few years and when she could no longer look after her own health she was moved to Cooper Sky Seniors Lodge. Rosie was in Copper Sky for seven years and this is where she took her last breath.
Rosie was #4 of eight children, 87 years is a long time to try and cover how she touched your life, please share your experiences with Rosie on this site so that the family can read them.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ParklandFuneralServices.com for the Parfieniuk family.
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