Emily Pifko of St. Paul Lutheran Home wife of the Late Adolf Pifko passed away on Sunday, August 19, 2012. She was ninety nine years of age. Emilja "Emily" Pifko (nee Gaura) was born April 30, 1913 to Andrew and Anna (nee Klus) Gaura. She grew up on the family farm working alongside her parents and brothers. She attended Fairland school and continued to increase her knowledge throughout her entire life. On June 9, 1935 Emily was united in marriage to Adolf Pifko at the Zion Lutheran Church. The couple farmed at McKim and they were blessed with 2 children, Orville in 1939 and Russel in 1944. Throughout their farming years Emily worked alongside Adolf in all aspects in farming and had many entertaining stories which she shared with family and friends. They shared both good times and bad with their neighbours who became lifetime friends. They enjoyed many social activities especially dancing and the two of them "cut a mean rug" whenever the band played "The Blue Skirt Waltz". And what made this dance extra special was that many times it was their son Russel, on the accordion, supplying the music. In 1961 they moved to Melville and continued to farm until their retirement in 1966. After their retirement Emily put her talents to use with employment at Bo-Kay Florists and then at Mil's Dress Shop. Throughout her years, Emily was very active and she enjoyed a number of hobbies including knitting, crocheting and sewing. She especially enjoyed gardening and loved growing houseplants. Her green thumb rescued many plants that she was asked to revive with the end result rewarding her with luscious greenery and beautiful blossoms. She also enjoyed her time spent doing various activities with the Zion Lutheran Church Ladies organization. Emily and Adolf were also avid fans of fishing and during their retirement years whenever the green Maverick pulled up you could see the fishing rods in the back. Emily as also very involved with her grandchildren and she was very proud of their accomplishments in their academic and social aspects of life. She was always ready with encouraging words and compliments for a job well done. A number of years after Adolf's passing, Emily took up residence at Legion Manor. Once ill health prevented her from being on her own she lived at St. Anne's Home in Ituna, the Yorkton and District Nursing Home and then at St. Paul Lutheran Home where she resided until her passing. Employees at these three places all loved having her as a resident as she was appreciative for their efforts and pleasant to have around. Emily was pre-deceased by her husband Adolf; her parents Andrew and Anna; her sons Russel and Orville; daughters-in-law Phyllis, Margaret and Vera; Orville's step daughter Darlene; grandson Robert; brothers and sisters-in law Ensel (Mary) Gaura, and Emil (Matilda) Gaura, and Edsel in infancy. She leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memory grandchildren: Dean Pifko (Cathy Ferwerda) of Regina, Lisa Pifko of Calgary, Marie (Walter) Thomas of Hamilton, ON; great-grandchildren Garret and Justin Pifko of Coronach, Samantha & Brook Thomas of Hamilton; step great-grandchildren Darrell, John, Shannon Rhora of Hamilton; and great-great grandchild Sophia Thomas of Hamilton; plus numerous god-children, nieces and nephews. Funeral Services were held on Friday, August 24, 2012 from Zion Lutheran Church in Melville with Rev. Murray Keith officiating. Rev. Ray Maher gave the sermon. A poem was read by Linda Holowka. Grandchildren Lisa and Dean Pifko gave the eulogy. Interment followed in the Melville Municipal Cemetery with Dean Pifko, Wayne Gaura, Wayne Pifko, Harvey Kolodziejak, Darrell Gaura and Wayne Cowan serving as the casket bearers. Memorials may be made to St. Peter's Hospital or to St. Paul Lutheran Home as gifts of remembrance. Condolences can be sent forwarded to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home - Melville.
