Obituary of Anne Pitsula

PITSULA - The family of Anne Pitsula sadly announce her passing on August 12, 2021. Anne Pitsula (nee Esopenko) was born on September 12, 1929 in Yorkton Saskatchewan. She was a little disappointed that she was never given a middle name. She was the youngest of a family of eight and the last remaining sibling. She loved her family and often spoke proudly of the brothers that protected her, her sister who guided her and her parents who loved her. (The closeness remained even after she married as their first home was located next door to her parents). Anne was born with a hint of mischief and lots of love in her heart. Those who knew her, were well aware that she was always ready to share a moment of kindness when it was needed most. A warm smile, a hug and a listening ear. Somehow you always left her feeling so much better. She was always ready to listen to your joke or story and add a comment that made you laugh out loud. What made the magic work is that you knew you could trust her with your secrets because she cherished her family and friends. But what was extra special was her warmth. You knew she cared. Anne was granted the gift of music. She loved to sing. It did not matter what she sang. You could hear the sweetness in her voice as she sang in the church choir, with Sweet Adeline's, or on radio in an episode of Ukraine sings. A few notes of a tune and a smile would appear as she sang along. She also loved her church, her family and her friends. Her friends were life long friends. Her family was what kept her going. In high school her work as a "candy striper" left her wanting a nursing career. Although this did not happen, her lifetime career was close - managing doctor's offices and working with their patients. Anne knew what she wanted and would not settle for less. She decided in high school she wanted to marry her husband of 47 years, John W. Pitsula. Eleven years her elder, he was an accordion playing man who won her heart. In sickness and in health she stood by him. This marriage brought forth a son, Ronald and a daughter Beverly, who she loved with all her heart. Somehow she managed to be there when they needed her most. Her love had no barriers or conditions. Although, she did wish we had inherited her love for punctuality. When Anne was blessed with grandchildren her heart sang. Photos of her grandchildren fill bedroom drawers and old tapes of past Christmas gatherings brought smiles and soft chuckles. She really loved her grandchildren. Just as she did for her own children before them, her heart always found room for the ones her grandchildren loved and loved them too. After suffering a major heart attack and two strokes, she had to leave her home and enter the Yorkton District Nursing Home. She arrived there paralyzed, with limited language ability and loss of sight. Still she loved life and fought hard to regain lost abilities. She shared her smiles, her song and joy whenever and wherever she could. We would like to thank the nursing staff for their kindness and care. It was you that made her smile and sing. Anne is predeceased by her mother, Sarah Esopenko and her father Kost Esopenko. Her sister Mary Cramer and brothers, John, Harry, Sam and Bill Esopenko. She is survived by her son, Ron Pitsula (Laurel), daughter, Beverly Halbert (Murray) and grandchildren Jaye, Tara, Kim, Amanda Halbert and Jaclynn Halbert Waskul (Keith) as well as great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces (including Rose Hamilton, who is a few months her senior) and many nephews who she formed close bonds with. A special thank you to her dear friends. Thanks for your angel work Walle. A special thank you to her dear friends. You were all loved. Prayers were held on Monday, August 16, 2021 and the Funeral Liturgy on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Father Yevhen Zadorozhnyi, C.Ss.R. as the Celebrant. The responses were led by Lorne Stechyshyn and choir members. The epistle reader was Jaclynn Halbert Waskul. Members of the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League led in the rosary prior to prayers and the honour guard at the Liturgy. The interment took place in the Yorkton City Cemetery. Condolences to the family can be posted at baileysfuneralhome.com Memorial donations in memory of Anne may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation as gifts of remembrance.