Obituary of Stella Halyk

HALYK - Stella Halyk of Melville and formerly of the Birminham District, wife of the late Joe Halyk, passed away in her own home on January 7, 2013 at the age of 87 years. Stella was born Nov 28, 1925 in Melville Saskatchewan to Henry and Josie (Sikora) Osiowy of the Lemberg area. Shortly after her birth, Stella became a wonderful gift from one sister to another and was adopted by Reihold and Mary (Sikora) Wilkie of the Dawn School district near Birminingham. Stella attended Dawn School right across the road from the Wilkie farm until grade 10 at which time her family started spending winters in Vancouver B.C. Stella enjoyed going to school and was proud of the good grades she received, and loved to play school sports. It was here that she developed her love of baseball, and as the years passed she enjoyed watching her grandchildren play the sport and enjoyed watching her favorite team the Blue Jay's play on television. Stella loved being outdoors, helping on the farm, in the field and also helping her mother in the kitchen. It was in the kitchen that she developed her culinary skills and her own family was fortunate to enjoy many delicious meals and desserts! Stella met Joseph Halyk of the Birmingham district; they wed July 13, 1946 in Vancouver. Later that year they returned back to the Birmingham district and began farming together. Together they raised 3 sons, Rodney, Bruce and Garry. They retired to Melville in 1986. Joe passed away May 8, 2000 and Stella remained living in her own house till the fall of 2010 when she moved into Melville Heritage House. Most importantly to Stella was her family, she always looked forward to seeing and watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow and was always looking forward to visits and always proud of all their success in life. She especially loved coming out for a ride to Garry's farm and looked forward to the friendly welcome of their dogs Haley and Buddy! Predeceased by her husband Joseph, parents Rheinold and Mary Wilkie, biological parents Henry and Josie Osiowy and nine brothers and sisters. Stella is survived by her son Rodney (Mavis) of Humbolt and their children Brent (Deanna) Brooklyn, Logan and Gavin of Calgary, and Kirk of Kamloops, son Bruce (Carol) of Regina and their children Dodi (Darren), Mason of Regina and Dean of Calgary, son Garry (Terri) of Birmingham and their children Joanna of Regina, Garett and Kyle of Birmingham. Stella is also survived by her sister Mary James of Windsor Ontario, brother-in-laws Fred Halyk and Bunny Halyk of Melville, Alex Kozakewich of Saskatoon and sister-in-laws Betty Halyk of Summerland B.C and Lillian Halyk of Melville along with numerous nieces and nephews relatives and friends. Prayer Services were held on Friday, January 11, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. from the First United Church in Melville with organist Shirley Blakley led in the hymns, "The Lord Is My Shepherd" and "Just A Closer Walk With Thee". The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. from the First United Church with Rev. Sue Manning Officiating. Hymns were "In The Garden"and "We Shall Go Out With Hope Of Resurrection". Special CD music was "Take Me Home Country Roads" and "Rangers Waltz". Honorary bearers were everyone who knew and loved Stella. The interment followed in the Melville Municipal Cemetery with Garett Halyk, Kyle Halyk, Joanna Halyk, Dean Halyk, Dodi Novak, Darren Novak, Brent Halyk and Kirk Halyk as the casketbearers. Arrangements were by Bailey's Funeral Home, Melville. Service Information Saturday, January 12th, 2013 11:00am, United Church Interment Details Melville Municipal Cemetery