Katherine Furkalo

We are saddened to announce the peaceful passing of Katherine Furkalo the early morning of July 10, 2018 at the Grandview Personal Care Home.   Katherine was born on February 27, 1930 to Paul and Justyna (Grocholski) Reszitnyk of Sclater, Manitoba.  She was raised on the family farm with her brothers and sisters and had the pleasure of growing up in the company of many extended family members... beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.  

Katherine was a devoted daughter and family member, and left home to work in the Dauphin hospital laundry.  She attended a wedding in 1947 in Sclater where she met Frank Furkalo, the start of their 70 year romance.  Katherine married Frank June 5, 1948, started farming south of Dutton siding, worked in a boarding house one winter in Sudbury, then moved to farm south of Grandview.   Frank continued to work in Sudbury for a few more winters with Katherine looking after farm and children.  While nurturing crops and livestock,  their love created 9 children.  Katherine was ever the faithful, hard-working wife and mother, waking early and going to sleep late to ensure that the home and family ran smoothly.  There was always good home cooking, garden raised produce, gifts and holiday celebrations for her beloved family.  At age 50 years, Katherine experienced a major stroke which left her with paralysis on her left side.  She worked hard to regain as many abilities as she could, among them walking, some gardening and cooking.  In later years, she lost the ability to walk but continued to enjoy life and her beloved family.  Katherine had an amazing memory for names, dates and family history which she retained to the end of her life.  She faithfully maintained contact with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, remembering birthdays, anniversaries and a multitude of stories.  As a resident of the Grandview Personal Care Home, Katherine enjoyed her relationships with staff and other residents, and enthusiastically participated in recreational activities.

 Left to cherish fond memories are Katherine's children: David (Gloria), Sandra (Jim) Toews, Betty (Maurice Courcelles), Monte (Karen), James, Kathy (George Purchase), Donald (Carla), and Phyllis (Jim Steeves).  Also fondly remembering are Katherine's grandchildren: Daryl, Delores (Dan) Wilson, Rhonda (Brent) Derkatch, Kimberley (Jeff) Koch, Warren (Pam) Toews, Audrey (Damian) Martyniuk, Breanne Courcelles, Meghan (Graeme) Crawford, Kyle (Jenna), Kelsey (Trevor) Bell, Gennifer (Erik Grimolfson), Keith Purchase, Laurina (Adam Kettles), Hailley (Luke Whitmore), Tyler and Ryan Shoemaker.  Much cherished by Katherine, her beautiful great grandchildren remain: Nicole, Emma, Avery, Leah, Anna, Kendra, Dashel, Faith, Steven, Zoe, Cailin, Emmitt, Harlan, Blake, Kaleb, Blaire and  Sawyer.  Katherine is also lovingly remembered by her sisters Kay Guttman, Marion (Norm) Gilbert, Anne (Alex) Dupley, brother Ray Reszitnyk, sisters-in-law Frances Perchaluk and Anne Rennie, brother-in-law Lawrence Sliworsky, and many extended family members and friends.

Katherine was predeceased by her parents, Paul and Justyna Reszitnyk, siblings Alex (Walda), Michael, Harry, David Edward Rennie and Jessie; brothers-in-law Bill (Nellie), Peter, Tony (Polly), Mike, Fred (Kay), John, Leo (Erma), Victor (Rose), Steve (Adeline), Orest Perchaluk and Don Guttman; sisters-in-law Anne (Alex Koshowski), Bernice (William Somers), Emily (Peter Jarema), Nellie (Bill Gara).  Much to Katherine's sadness, she was also predeceased by her first child Diane and grandson Braden Purchase.       

At the time of her passing, Katherine's heart was full, having spent the previous weekend joyfully celebrating at a large family gathering.  While we are mourning her passing here, we are comforted knowing that her celebration continues, as she reunites with her beloved Frank and many other loved ones who welcome her home.         

 Rest in Peace

VICHNAYA PAMYAT

Funeral Service was held for Katherine on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 3:30 PM from the Grandview Kinsmen Community Hall with Rev. Father Yaroslav Strukhlyak officiating. Interment followed in St. Elias Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery. Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Katherine may be made to the Grandview Community Foundation, Grandview Personal Care Home (Activities Department) or Grand-Plains Handi-Van.

On behalf of the Furkalo family, we would like to express our sincere thanks to the many neighbours and friends who shared our grief in Katherine's passing.To those who sent cards, donations, and brought food to the house, it was most appreciated.Whether you attended Katherine's service, visited, shared fond memories or had us in your thoughts, we are humbly thankful.As difficult as it is to say goodbye to someone so loved, the support of our community made it a bit more bearable.  Your kindness will not be forgotten.

With much love,

The Furkalo family

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