On June 15, 2012, Mary Jean Zahaik passed away peacefully with her son, Tony and daughter, Shirley at her side. She was 98 years old. Jean was born on August 11, 1913 in St. Norbert, MB, the daughter of Andrew and Helen Soroski. She had two older siblings, Mary and John. When she was 18 years old, her first marriage was to Lester Kosman. They had a son, Edgar. In 1936, her second marriage was to Tony Zahaik. They made their home in Red Lake, ON and Winnipeg, MB before they moved to Saskatchewan and made their final home at Theodore where Tony built Evergreen Black Smith Shop and their home. Jean loved to cook. Her delicious meals were not only shared with family but with many friends and often with individuals who were just passing through. Ukrainian Christmas Eve suppers were so special. It always included the special dish of mushrooms that Jean and Tony would pick by the pail full. Jean worked at the Co-Op chicken eviscerating plant in Yorkton for a number of years. She was able to bring home chicken legs from which she made the most delicious soup. Jean crocheted many afghans and cushions. She was also a very talented rug maker. She would pick coloured fabric or dye colors to match and braid the most beautiful rugs. Jean took tremendous pride in her garden and flower beds. She readily shared the produce from her bountiful vegetable garden much to the enjoyment of her family and friends. Jean was a member of the Women's Institute, Creekside Branch and the Ukrainian Women's Association in Theodore. After Tony's passing, Jean remained in her home in Theodore until August of 1985 when she moved to Victoria Court, a Senior's Complex in Yorkton. Her kindness, generosity and compassion for others was appreciated very much by her many friends. In 2004, due to declining health, Jean became a resident of St. Paul's Lutheran Home in Melville, SK. She loved this new home and the care and compassion that she received was exceptional and greatly appreciated by her family. Jean was predeceased by her parents, Andrew and Helen Soroski; her husband, Tony in 1983 as well as her sister, Mary and her brother, John. Jean will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her son, Edgar (Anna) and their family, Brian and Neil (Shannon) and their children, Samantha and Nicholas; her daughter, Shirley (Dick) Thompson and their family, Barbara (Mike) Baxter and their children, Laura, Meaghan and David, Rick (Irene) and their children, Sarah (Dan), April and Curtis and Norma (Kelly) Thompson; her son, Tony (Joyce) Zahaik and their family, Corry (Les) Staff and Todd (Carla) and their children, Ava and Eric. She will also be missed by her nieces and nephews, with whom she also shared many happy times. The Memorial Service was held on Saturday, July 7, 2012 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK with Kathy Novak serving as the Funeral Celebrant. Taped music selections included "In The Garden" as sung by Alan Jackson as the processional music and "Make Me a Channel of Your Peace" as sung by Susan Boyle as the recessional. Jean's granddaughter, Barbara Baxter, shared words of tribute and memory on behalf of all of the grandchildren. Soloist, Jackie Washenfelder, shared two selections, "Those Hearts That We Have Treasured" and "Somewhere Over The Rainbow". Following a reception in the Gunn Room at Christie's Funeral Home, the cremation committal took place in St. Mary's Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery, west of Theodore, SK with Grandson, Todd Zahaik serving as the urn bearer. 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.
