Mrs. Annie Sass, formerly of Yorkton, widow of Michael entered eternal rest on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13, 2012 at St. Peter's Hospital, Melville, SK., with her family by her side, at the age of 94 years, 7 months & 9 days. Annie was born Nov. 5, 1917 in the Otthon District, the eldest child of Joseph and Tillie (nee Elash) Petrowsky. Annie was raised on the farm and attended school at Jaroslaw and Otthon Schools. On Nov. 1, 1936, Annie was united in marriage to Michael Sass. The couple lived and worked on the family farm at various locations, originally near Fenwood in the Jedburgh District, then later in the Goodeve area, and lastly in the Jedburgh/ Beaverdale District, where they remained until they retired and moved to Yorkton in 1975. Due to failing health, Annie became a resident of St. Paul Lutheran Home in April, 2007, where she resided until she was hospitalized on April 20, 2012. Michael & Annie were abundantly blessed with children, having raised 3 sons and 7 daughters: Howard (Joan) Sass, Lucy (Melvin) Klus, Joe (Audrey) Sass, Victor (Nettie) Sass, Julia (William) Zenkewich, Rose (George) Spelay, Iris (James) Beblow, Grace (Lovern) Yagelniski, Gloria (Gordon) Rhinas, Christine (Curley) Yagelniski. The family tree soon became a family forest. At the time of her passing, Annie had a total of 30 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Mom had a very busy life, raising a large family with limited means, at a time when the amenities of modern day life were non-existent. In addition to the numerous household chores required to feed and clothe such a large family, there were also farm chores including milking cows, raising chickens, ducks, geese and pigs. Mom always grew massive gardens, and preserved all of nature's bounty, including vegetables, fruits, berries and mushrooms, to ensure the family was well fed through the long winters‚ months. Mom was a good cook, and generously prepared hearty meals for all who would visit. The number of homemade loaves of bread baked by Mom must number in the thousands, while the perogies likely number in the hundreds of thousands. Mom loved to sew and was very talented at it, always sewing the girls fancy new dresses for special occasions. Mom was not a social butterfly by any means, but she did enjoy visiting with family and friends, particularly if card games were involved. Mom truly enjoyed playing cards, which along with board games, were some of her favorite pastimes. Mom's life was all about family, and family played a huge part in her life. Not only did Mom raise her own children, she spent many years babysitting her grandchildren. "Baba" as she is affectionately known and loved by her grandchildren, spent many a day minding her little ones. Mom rejoiced in the arrival of each and every new grandchild. Yet even with all of the demands of daily life, Mom made time to teach her children to pray and to instill the teachings of the Catholic faith in us. Annie was predeceased by her husband, Michael Sass, by her parents Joseph & Tillie Petrowsky, three sisters, Mary, Elizabeth and Katie, four brothers, John, Mike, Walter and Carl, grandson Jamie Zenkewich, son-in-law, Melvin Klus and daughter-in-law, Audrey Sass. She leaves to mourn her passing and celebrate her life, her ten children and their families, sisters Leona Milo and Alice (Nick) Holowatuik, and brother Frank (Annie) Petrowsky, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours. Prayers were held on Thursday, May 17 at Bailey's Funeral Chapel. The Holy Rosary led by Ukrainian Catholic Women's League preceded the prayers. The Requiem Divine Liturgy was held on Friday, May 18 at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Father Ray Lukie, C.Ss.R. as the Celebrant. The responses were led by Ed Pindus and St. Mary's parish choir members. Lori Kais and Ron Wizniak led in the singing of the congregational hymns. The cross bearer was Randy Zenkewich (Grandson) and the epistle reader was Jacqueline Rhinas-Helberg (Granddaughter). The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with (Grandsons), Dwayne Spelay, Derryl Zenkewich, Michael Yagelniski, Rodney Sass, Leonard Beblow and Derek Rhinas serving as the casket bearers. Memorials honouring Annie's life may be made to St. Peter's Hospital, St. Paul's Lutheran Home or St. Mary's Church Building Fund as gifts of remembrance. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com
Vichnaya Pamyat! Eternal Memory!
Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.
