Obituary of Lena Woytiuk

Lena Woytiuk 1924-2014 Peacefully on the arms of an angel Lena Woytiuk left this earth surrounded by her family, in her home on August 5, 2014. Lena was born in the Sich District on May 15, 1924. She attended the Sich School -she was unable to finish her schooling as family duties called. Mom took great pride in her first job which was at The Empire Hotel in Prince Albert. A highlight was serving the Rt. Honourable John George Diefenbaker. She married Fred Woytiuk on July 12, 1945 in Alberttown Saskatchewan. Between 1945 and 1960 they farmed in the Krydor area. During this time 5 children were born, Marg, Kenneth, Joyce, Theodore and Gerald. In 1960 they packed their meager belongings and moved to Shell Lake. Mom often referenced how they moved north to an abandoned home built in 1912. There they completed their family when Rose and Geraldine were born. They built a life together, working side by side for 25 years. Mom picked stones, milked cows, hauled bales, grew a huge garden, and prepared thousands of meals for family, and friends. No one entered Mom’s home without being fed. In 1985 Dad suffered a stroke, moving Moms focus to full time care giver for 10 years. In 1987 Mom began her battle with Cancer, facing this dreaded disease five different times. She battled the disease like a warrior. In 2001 Mom moved into the Village of Shell Lake – finding peace knowing that the farm she and Dad built would be carried on by her Grandson Jody. Mom then took to turning her new home into a floral paradise. She was a talented gardener and was proud of the awards received from the Spiritwood Horticultural Society. She loved her new home in town, and a whole new circle of friends were made!! Mom took up painting later in life – she loved to sketch and to paint. Her love of art is evident in many beautiful paintings - she was proud to be part of the Thickwood Hills Studio Trail for many years. Mom’s life was filled with family, and numerous friends. She was a remarkable lady - more people than we know refer to her as Baba Lena, Mom, Auntie and friend. She had a personality that people of all ages were drawn to. In the past year, Mom’s health challenged her – she referred to her last few days as a “war.” But she fulfilled her dream – her last days were spent in her home, surrounded by her family, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and countless friends. Left to cherish her life of love: Daughters, Marg (Earl) Iverson of Saskatoon, Joyce (Alex) Skarpinsky of Shell Lake, Rose (Brian) Diesen of Shell Lake, Geraldine (Ron) Lavoie of Spiritwood and son, Gerald (Laurie) Woytiuk of Shell Lake. Grandchildren, Corey Woytiuk, Jody (Jackie) Woytiuk, Jim (Bryer) Iverson, Heidi (Scott) Byers, Jane (Curt Shepherd) Skarpinsky, Mark (Kirstan Oborowsky) Diesen, Heather ( Michael) Sarrazin. Great Grandchildren, Olivia Woytiuk, Shelby Woytiuk, Jaici Woytiuk, Cooper Woytiuk, Isaiah Fredericksen, Bronwyn Byers, Ferghus Byers, Maisie Byers and Kylie Sarrazin. Sister in law, Mary (Alex) Woytiuk, along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and countless friends. Lena was predeceased by her husband, Fred Woytiuk, sons Kenneth and Theodore, parents Theodore and Agnes Sadlowski, brother Joe (Sylvia) Sadlowski, sisters Pauline (Nick) Mazurek, and Lil (Joe) Woytiuk. A Loving Farewell was held on Saturday August 9, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in the Shell Lake Community Hall. Memorial Donations in Lena’s honor will be made to the St Paul’s Hospital Foundation Inc. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Family has entrusted arrangements to Edward Beaulac of Beau "Lac" Funeral Home, Spiritwood 306-883-3500.