Obituary of Jean Sliwa

SLIWA - Jean Sliwa, wife of Adolph of Yorkton, formerly Jean Terletski of Rama, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2009 at the Yorkton and District Nursing Home. She was 86 years of age. Jean was born on December 12, 1922 in the Buchanan district of Saskatchewan; a daughter of Mary (nee Soloski) and Karol (Carl) Palchewich. She was raised on the family farm and attended school at Woodhurst. Jean worked hard in school and had a desire to further her education in Toronto to study nursing, but because she was the eldest, help was needed on the farm, and an education was secondary. However, she was always up for a challenge and her desire to continue learning was evident in later years running businesses. On September 26, 1939 she was united in marriage to Paul Terletski at Rama. This union was blessed with seven children. The couple resided on a farm in the Rama district. In 1950 they purchased a General Store at Rama and they also bought a home in the community. During the years of operating the store, the couple added other businesses, a lumber yard, a barber and hair dressing shop, and a Doctors office. Days were full for Jean, besides working at the store, she capably raised her large family, assisted with work on the farm, and looked after all the household duties. She enjoyed the outdoors, her large garden and flower beds, shrubs and trees were always well kept. She was well known for the quality of her apple pies. She was community minded as well, she was involved in the local 4-H club for many years. In her precious spare moments, she enjoyed knitting and crocheting afghans and slippers for family members. She was also very sports minded, in her younger years she was an active curler, and in older years enjoyed watching it on TV. On September 2, 1960 Paul passed away suddenly at the age of 46. This tragic event left Jean to raise her family of seven, the eldest being nineteen and the youngest one year old. There were hard times in the community and on the farm. Eventually the General Store became no longer viable, and was eventually closed. While still living in Rama, Jean became a representative for Avon, which helped make ends meet. She always taught her children to do their very best and make the most of their lives and never look back. With grit and determination, Jean remained a pillar of strength, wisdom and knowledge to her family. She also kept a strong belief in her Faith and that God would be her strength and help her through the many trials and challenges that awaited her in future years. In 1967 Jean was united in marriage to Adolph Sliwa at Rama, and shortly after they moved to Yorkton. Adolph continued farming and Jean began a new career at the Yorkton Union Hospital in the Dietary Department, working her way up to a supervisory position. Following 20 years of service , Jean retired in 1987. Predeceased by her parents and a sister Mina Kowalchuk, she is survived by her husband Adolph of Yorkton; seven children; sons: Ed (Agnes) Terletski of Toronto, Carl (Maureen) of Leduc AB, Rudy (Bev) of Leduc AB, and Ben (Nancy) of Winnipeg; daughters: Elizabeth (Ed) Barteski of Edmonton, Pauline (Peter) Landygo of Winnipeg, and Linda (Dean) Sully of Yorkton; grandchildren and great grandchildren: Michelle (Mathew & Tyler); Miranda (Amanda & Allyssa); Shane; Blaine (Daniel); Bradley (Spencer); Kimberley (Danahe & Jayden); Denyse (Mariah); Ronda; Kerry (Amanda, Mitchell & Eric); Renee (Reese, Tate & Max); Jerome; Curtis; Robert (Maja & Brady); Andy; Dayton. Also a sister: Vivian (Leonard) Pasloski of Rama; brothers: Ignace Palchewich (Delores) of Yorkton, Joe Palchewich (Rose) of Invermay, and Edward Palchewich (Marg) of Toronto; numerous nieces, nephews as well as all of the relatives of Adolph. The prayer vigil service was held on Sunday evening, October 18, 2009 from St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church in Yorkton. Rev. Father Basil Chomos officiated. The reader was Marueen Terletski and tributes were given by Maureen, Elizabeth Barteski and Nancy Terletski. Hymns sung were Immaculate Mary, Psalm 27, and Day is Done. The Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, October 19, 2009 from St. Gerard's Church with Rev. Father Antoni Degutis, OMI as Celebrant. Organist, Katherine Flaman led members of the Parish Choir and the congregation in the singing of the hymns The Lord's My Shepherd, Psalm 138, Prayer of St. Francis, On Eagles Wings, Song of the Angels, and How Great Thou Art. The crossbearer was Bev Terletski, the readers were Nancy and Maureen Terletski. The interment took place in the Garden of Gethsemene at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Dayton, Robert, Jerome, Andy and Curtis Terletski, and Edward Palchewich serving as the casketbearers. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Monday, October 19th, 2009 1:00pm, St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens