It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Lena Phillippi announce her passing at the Canora Hospital on Wednesday, April 25, 2012. Lena was born on the family farm near Gorlitz, SK on August 7, 1921, the daughter of Fred and Lena Procyshen. Lena was part of a large family with many siblings and step-siblings. She received her education at Bridock School near Donwell, SK On February 6, 1945, Lena was united in marriage to Ralph Phillippi. They began their life together on a farm south of Donwell where she resided until her passing. Lena lived a life dedicated to the farm and devoted her life to hard work and raising her two children. She especially enjoyed her flower and vegetable gardens, singing, dancing and crocheting when she had spare moments. Lena's family will greatly miss her famous homemade bread, delicious Ukrainian delights and all the other baking that she did so well. Her great-grandchildren will miss enjoying her homemade "Baba Cookies". Most of all her family will miss her beauty, wisdom and the knowledge of all her family's history she held within her heart - an incredible history that she was always happy to share even though her life was not always easy. Lena particularly enjoyed the many visits with all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always displaying her pride in all of their accomplishments. She often said her great-grandchildren were her medicine and the reason she lived, doing everything for them with such passion until the very end of her life. Lena's family and friends will miss her caring ways. The farm will never be the same without her and her passing has left an emptiness in our lives and hearts. . . Lena was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Lena Procyshen; step-father, Fred Kuruliak; her husband, Ralph in 1987; her sisters, Mary and Betty; her brothers, Alec, Nick, Harry and Teddy. She leaves to mourn her passing and celebrate her life, her son, Calvin (Beth); her daughter, Marcia (Tim) Propp; seven grandchildren, Duane (Jackie) Phillippi, Leanne (Rodney) Semeschuk, Heather (Les) Beblow, Cindy (Mike) Bloomquist, Mark Phillippi, Jeffrey (Lindsey) Propp and Donna (Jeremy) Phillippi; her twelve great-grandchildren, Breanna, Destanee, Jaiden, Ethan, Payton, Julianna, Aliyah, Suriyah, Luca, Seth, Kaesee and Jaylene; her sisters, Susie, Gloria (Art), Anne, Barb and Mary; her sister-in-law, Gerry Dilschneider as well as numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and many good friends. We cry because we love you and miss you so much. Our families have been blessed to have had your love, support and strength for so long. Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma - it will never be possible to forget you. Your life has touched us all and a part of us, you will forever be. A private family grave side memorial service was held on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 from the Yorkton City Cemetery in Yorkton, SK. with Lena's nephew, Lorne Kopelchuk officiating. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
