Obituary of Bernice Kolodziejski

Mrs. Bernice Kolodziejski of Yorkton, beloved wife of John Kolodziejski, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on March 20, 2017, at the Regina General Hospital. Bernice was born on January 28, 1926, in Lanowce, Poland to Ignace and Mary Yurkowski. She was the second of five children, Joseph, John, Stan, and Vicki. Bernice, along with her mother and brother Joe, came by ship from Poland to Canada to join her father in Lanigan, Saskatchewan. Memories of her trip overseas include having her hair shaved off and being plagued with motion sickness the entire time. She grew up in Lanigan, attending school there through to grade 12. Once she finished high school, she attended normal school in Saskatoon and in turn achieved her teacher certification. She was then off to Pierceland to her very first teaching job. What an adventure going so far away from home! She enjoyed her time there, creating many wonderful memories. Later on, Bernice decided a career change was needed, and she went to Dauphin, Manitoba to work for the Toronto Dominion Bank, making many new friends and new memories. But eventually teaching called her back, and she returned to Saskatchewan and began teaching in Tuffnell. It was here that she met the love of her life, John Kolodziejski. Bernice and John were married in a country church outside of Lanigan on November 21, 1950. The wedding reception and dance followed in Tuffnell. Bernice and John recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary with their family in their home in Yorkton. Their first home was in Tuffnell, where Bernice continued teaching up until the birth of their first child, Ron. Soon after, Bernice and John moved to their own farm, and Terry joined the family. Bernice continued her teaching career, with Ron staying with her parents, Terry staying with John's parents, and John working very hard to make their farm business a success. Eventually Bernice decided her lifelong career would be that of a wife and mother, with Bob and Shelley joining the family. Bernice was a very busy wife and mother, raising four children, growing a garden, cooking and cooking AND cooking! When the work was done, she enjoyed curling, playing many hours of 3 spot, and visiting with family and friends. In 1976 Bernice started on a new path in life, becoming a grandmother to Kristy, followed by Kelly, Bryan, Sean, and Leah. This was yet another new and exciting adventure, consisting of impromptu dances in the living room (music courtesy of Profile), going on picnics, reading books, and playing cards, school, and hairdresser. On her 80th birthday, Bernice celebrated becoming a great-grandmother to Kennedy, adding even more joy to her life. In 2004, Bernice and John retired to Yorkton, enjoying a quieter life together. Throughout her life, her deep devotion and faith in God, guided her in all that she did. Even after mobility problems prevented church attendance daily Mass on television was never missed. Bernice was predeceased by her parents, Ignace and Mary; her husband's parents, Walter and Amelia; her brothers, Joseph and John; and her in-laws, Tom, Norbert, and Sharon. She leaves to cherish her memory: Her husband, John; children, Ron (Linda), Terry (Carla), Bob (Patty), Shelley (Angus); grandchildren, Kristy (Michael), Kelly (Andrew), Bryan (Janine), Sean (Bailey), Leah; great-grandchild, Kennedy; brother, Stan (Joan) and sister, Vicki (Jim); sisters-in-law, Mary and Anne, and brother-in-law, Henry (Lucy); and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Prayers were held on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church in Yorkton. The Funeral Mass was held on Friday, March 24, 2017 at St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Father Francis Hengen as the Celebrant. Reflections of Bernice's Life were shared by Bryan and Sean Kolodziejski. The cross bearer was Joe Bisschop and the gift bearers were Ann & Joe Neskar. The readers were Patty Kolodziejski and Ann Kereluik. Serving as accompanists were Lorraine Lysak (Vigil) and Colleen Bourne (Mass). Members of St, Gerard's Choir sang the hymns, "This Alone", "Psalm 40", "Precious Lord, Take My Hand", "You are Near", "Song of the Angels" and "How Great Thou Art". Serving as urn bearers were Kristy Josephson, Bryan Kolodziejski, Leah Kolodziejski, Sean Kolodziejski and Kennedy Josephson. A tribute from granddaughter Kelly Kolodziejski from Australia was played at the memorial luncheon. Memorials honouring Bernice's life may be made to St. Gerard's Church or a Charity of Choice. Service Information Thursday, March 23rd, 2017 7:00pm, St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church Friday, March 24th, 2017 10:00am, St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens