It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Mother, Baba and Great-Baba, Annie Chudyk (nee Franko) at the age of 86 years.
Annie was born to Felix and Annie Franko (nee Korman) on December 9th, 1934 in the Rice Lake District. She was the only daughter from a family of five. As a young girl she enjoyed being outdoors on the farm and even had a pet deer that she named Mickey. This deer would meet her every day when she arrived home from attending school in Rice Lake.
Annie married Fred Chudyk on October 23rd, 1954 and soon moved to the family homestead where she was incredibly involved with tending to the cows, chickens, and other chores around the farm. This is the yard site she resided on until her passing. Together Annie and Fred raised three girls; Vivian, Audrey & Cynthia. Her and Fred were members of Rice Lake Hall and she enjoyed helping organize the fall suppers there. After making the decision to sell the cows, Mom was employed as a homecare worker for 14 years in the local area and enjoyed providing care for those that she could. She took pride in her yard and maintained flowerbeds and four large vegetable gardens. Her grandchildren enjoyed the fresh produce and had fun husking corn, shelling peas and digging the many hills of potatoes each fall. There were many canned vegetables and fruit preserves made. She spent several Wednesday afternoons playing penny bingo with the Sunshine Seniors in Fork River, and made memorable trips with the group to the casino in Yorkton. Later she was a member of the New Horizons Seniors Centre in Winnipegosis where she attended bingos, played crib and pool.
Annie loved life and did many activities that brought her joy. She enjoyed dancing and listening to all Ukrainian music. It was not often that she ever had the radio off in her house whether she was listening to the local radio station or some Ukrainian tunes. As a hobby she enjoyed crocheting and would gift blankets, doilies, and Christmas ornaments to her family. Later in life she spent time traveling, camping, fishing, and watching hockey with her special friend Bill. She was an expert at playing crib and would take the game very seriously. She enjoyed word searches and most recently took interest in colouring.
Mom enjoyed numerous long weekends and holidays when her children and grandchildren came to visit; always preparing enough food to serve, especially perogies and baked macaroni that we all loved so much. She was filled with the most happiness when surrounded by family in her home, and would be upset when the weekend came to an end. The devotion and love she had for her family was clear in many ways and she treasured every moment with them. During Christmas, having Santa visit was one of her favourite parts. She enjoyed time with her furry friend Chachi, and would often give him treats when no one was looking.
Mom was an extremely strong-willed woman who never gave up with any challenge she faced in life and remained optimistic. She was a kind, generous, honest, and caring person who had a great sense of humour, made jokes, and always had a welcoming smile on her face. Mom was that person that you could talk to about anything and would always know the right words of advice, encouragement and support. Company was welcome at any time and she made sure to have some fresh baking to share.
She was predeceased by her husband Fred, parents Felix and Annie, brothers Frank, Steve, Paul, and Pete. Annie is survived by her daughters Vivian (Raymond), Audrey (Floyd), and Cynthia (Mike), grandchildren Nicole (Simon), Carla (Joey), Joey, Shane (Nichole), Hailey, Allie and Mikaila and two great grandchildren Ember and Felix.
We will miss you so much and you will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
A private funeral service was held on Tuesday, May 4th at 10:30am from the Sneath-Strilchuk Family Care Centre with the Very Rev Father Oleg Bodnarski officiating. Interment followed in the Winnipegosis Holy Ascension Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Floyd Sliworsky, Mike Collins, Joey Sliworsky, Shane Sliworsky, Simon Rodrigues and Joey Good. Cross bearer was Raymond Zamrykut.
In lieu of flowers, donations in the memory of Annie Chudyk can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, CNIB, Diabetes Canada or a charity of ones choice.
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