Obituary of Oksana Lysitza

Mrs. Oksana Natalia Lysitza

September 12, 1932 – January 9, 2024

Passed away peacefully at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon after suffering a stroke on January 1, 2024.

Oksana is survived by her children; Bob and Corinna Lysitza, Cathy and Don Howland, Michael, and Angie Lysitza, all from Prince Albert, SK.  Her son-in-law, Deryk Woodman from Medicine Hat, AB.  She is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Alecia Marshall, Parker, Paiten, Penley and Porter.  Layne and Ashley Lysitza, Ryker.  Courtnie and Jared Brusky, Emmett, Colson, and Andie.  Bryn and Heather Howland, Karter, and Ellie. Shelby and Sean Malischewski, Rowan, and Rhett.  Ashley Howland.  Chelsie and Jordan Gobin, Briar, Burke, and Charlie, Zachary Lysitza, Theran Lysitza, Chloe Lysitza and Carter McDougall; her brother-in-law, Don and Marianne Lysitza, numerous nieces, and nephews.

Oksana was pre-deceased by her husband, Andrew Lysitza; her daughter, Debbie Woodman; her parents, Steven and Mokryna Senchyna; brother, Ernie, and Mary Senchyna; sister, Anne Zipp, as well as her many in-laws.

Mom was born and raised the Tarnopol and Tway area.  Her parents had immigrated from the Ukraine.  Life was hard growing up and Mom didn’t talk a lot about it.  She and the love of her life, Andy, were married on October 22, 1955, and settled in Prince Albert, SK.  In three quick years, they were blessed with three children, Debbie, Robert (Bob), and Cathy, twelve years later, Michael arrived.  On one family trip to Banff National Park, AB, disaster struck when Dad’s homemade tent trailer collapsed due to a snowstorm.  After that, a hardtop trailer was promptly purchased and parked at a seasonal site at Sunset Bay, Emma Lake, SK.  A few years later, a treed lot within the Sunnyside Coop was purchased.  The lot was cleared, and a cabin was moved into place.  The cabin was a place of pride for them and many an evening was spend sitting around a table with a rousing game of either Kaiser or Canasta with their lake friends. 

Mom and Dad owned and operated Andy’s Electric for thirty years until dad passed away in 2000.  Mom said she not only lost her husband, but she also lost her job.

Mom was an entrepreneur with many artistic talents.  She taught ceramics, decorated Ukrainian Easter Eggs, wheat weaving, and making various crafts.  Mom traveled to many craft shows throughout Saskatchewan and Alberta selling her goods.  She was also a fantastic cook and baker.  Her perogies and cabbage rolls will be hard to replace.  If you even mentioned wanting something Mom was in the kitchen making it the very next day, spoiling all of us.

Mom was a strong willed, independent woman.  With the passing of Dad, it was quite clear that she was going to handle everything and would do it the way she wanted.  She looked forward to her Friday lunch dates with her friend Barb Moldowan, weekly coffee and conversation with her sister-in-law and friend Karol Isbister.  And getting caught up with her good friend Emily Stocki.

In the summer Mom loved sitting by her garage and having her neighbors come to visit or just talking over the fence.  Special thanks to Lita, Kristen, and Jarrod for not only being a friend by also for checking up every once in a while.  Her garden, flowers and yard were always beautifully cared for and a great source of pride.  In the winter Mom enjoyed watching curling, CNN, The Young and the Restless and reality T.V.  She enjoyed going to her grandson’s hockey games and even following the Raiders.

Above all mom had a love for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She knew all the names and birthdates of all thirty-six of us.  And was anxiously waiting the arrival of another little one to add to her wall of pride.

Words cannot express our gratitude to the Emergency Department at the Victoria Hospital and the exceptional care and compassion given to Mom at the Royal University Hospital Neurology Department Rooms 6331 and 6304.  We are forever indebted to the many Neurosurgeons, Doctors, Nurses who helped us; Bob, Cathy and Michael navigate this difficult time.

A private family service was held.  Donations can be made to the Neurology Department at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, SK.  Royal University Hospital Neuroscience department    https://ruhf.org/donate/  or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. www.heartandstroke.ca/donate.com.  Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Marianne Turcotte, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.