Obituary of Ann Achtymichuk
ACHTYMICHUK - With sorrow we announce that Ann Achtymichuk of Yorkton, widow of John Achtymichuk fell asleep in the Lord on June 11, 2024 at the Yorkton and District Nursing Home at the age of 98.
She was born on the family homestead to Nicholas and Magdalena Skutar on March 5, 1926. Her father passed away when Ann was 8 years old, and she had to help with some heavy chores until Magdalena remarried to Harry Zajaic who also died when Ann was 12. She moved to Yorkton with her mother where they had a boarding house. By the time that WWII broke out, Ann was working at the Co-op Egg Plant, making melange for the dehydrated eggs used to feed the soldiers. In 1945 Ann was married to John Achtymichuk whom she knew from childhood from the Mulek Lake area. Ann and John moved to Vancouver where she worked at the Boeing Aircraft construction plant working on B52 bombers while John helped with welding repairs to merchant marine ships damaged by war. They returned to the farm in 1946, and they remained there the rest of their working lives. They had four children: Yvonne, Lillian, Nestor and David. Ann’s farm life revolved around the chores of a farm wife with cows, chickens, pigs and a large garden as well the meals for the family, and sometimes in the busy harvest season, taking hot meals out to the field. Another aspect of Ann’s life included the rural Orthodox Church of St. Michael, Verigin area, where their 5 day old first born child and her parents are buried. They also later attended the All Saints Orthodox Church in Kamsack. Ann and John were always ready to help with various church functions and work bees. Ann was known for her good cooking, well kept house, wonderful gardens and hospitality. She always had time to tend to the flowers in her garden and in winter to sew clothes for the children. When John lost his leg above the knee in a farm yard accident, she supported and encouraged him. They were able to keep farming even with this new challenge. After their 55th wedding anniversary, John and Ann retired to Yorkton and joined the Ukrainian Orthodox Church there. They attended church faithfully and helped where they could. Ann was also a longtime member of the Ukrainian Women’s Association.
After John went to the Yorkton Nursing Home, Ann visited him every day at 3p.m. with some fresh fruit and stayed to help with his supper. Ann stayed in her own house until 2022 moving to Yorkton Crossing Senior Residence. After a fall, breaking a hip and her shoulder, Ann ended up in the Yorkton and District Nursing Home where she stayed until her death.
Ann was predeceased by her husband John, sister Mary, brother Dan, daughters Oraisia and Lillian. She is survived by her remaining children Yvonne (Orest), Nestor (Valerie) and David, 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
May her memory be eternal!
Prayers were held on Sunday, June 23th and the Funeral Service on Monday, June 24, 2024, both at Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton officiated by Rev. Fr. Michael Faryna and assisted by Rev. Deacon Evan Panchuk. The cantor was Jason Kopan and the cross bearer was Lori Sembaluk. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Jody Achtymichuk, Shaun Achtymichuk, Leigh Sembaluk, Chris Sembaluk, Andrew McRae and Owain McRae serving as the casketbearers. Memorials in memory of Ann can be made to Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church or to Yorkton & District Nursing Home as gifts of remembrance.
Вічная Пам'ять - Eternal Memory
