Obituary of Paulette Skotnicky

Paulette Skotnicky (nee Jemieff) of Yorkton, formerly of Saskatoon, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2024. She was 93 years of age.

Paulette was born on the family farm near Kamsack on August 28, 1929, the oldest child of Cecil and Kate (Sturgeoff) Jemieff.

Paulette was united in marriage to Carl Skotnicky in 1956. They began their married life on a farm near Stornoway, but moved to Saskatoon in 1959. In Saskatoon, Paulette began a long career in fashion retail at Sally’s clothing store, eventually being promoted to manager. Some of Paulette’s closest friends were her coworkers at Sally’s – Dorothy, Dolly and Mabel. Fashion suited Paulette. She was glamorous and always dressed to perfection.

Paulette loved socializing. Whether it was a Friday night at the Legion with friends, a game or two at Bingo, a beer or two at the Taverna or all the countless weddings, anniversaries and other parties – Paulette delighted in being with friends and family having some fun!

Paulette was a gifted seamstress. In addition to creating her own outfits she also sewed one of a kind pieces for family. Paulette also crocheted and knitted. Again, she generously shared her creations with family and friends. Paulette was a talented bowler. She won many a trophy and bowled late into her retirement. But what set Paulette apart were the intangibles….the hugs, the smile, the touch on the arm, the joy in having a beer or two with friends or family.

Paulette and Carl were married for 57 years before Carl passed. During this time together they spent many happy years at their cottage at Blackstrap Lake and their trailer at Wakaw Lake entertaining friends and family, or being entertained by close friends and lake neighbors like Bob and Toni. Paulette and Carl also spent many long weekends and holidays visiting family throughout Canada. This included frequent trips to family farms in Kamsack and Stornoway and to Toronto to visit Paulette’s sister, Mildred. No family gathering was complete without Paulette and Carl. They also travelled with family and friends to Hawaii, Mexico, Cuba and other US destinations.

Paulette was predeceased by her husband, Carl, her sister and brother-in-law, Mildred and Paul Goddard, her brother and sister-in-law Fred and Nettie Jemieff, her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Anton and Janet Skotnitsky, Emily and Walter Strutynski and Willy Minchuk.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Minchuk and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.