SENKO: Jean Phyllis
September 30, 1938 - July 11, 2013
The death of Mrs. Jean (nee Kostuk) Senko of Lanigan, SK, occurred in the Lanigan District on Thursday, July 11, 2013. She was 74 years of age. Jean was born on September 30, 1938, to Joe and Vera (nee Torok) Kostuk in Plunkett, SK. She grew up on the family farm and attended Starlight School in the Plunkett District. After completing her schooling Jean helped out at the BA Garage, which her father owned. Jean and Mike moved to Wainright, AB, where they were married on July 30, 1955. While living there she worked in housekeeping. Jean and Mike then moved to Edmonton, AB, where they got jobs at the Alberta Poultry Plant. They only spent a short period of time in Edmonton before moving to a farm near Lanigan in 1956. In 1956 they were blessed with the birth of Geraldine and then Micheal in 1969. Jean helped out with the farming operation in every way possible; whether it was milking cows, pitching bales, picking stones or working very hard in the fields, she did it all. Her passion was raising her chickens, cattle and horses. When she went to town it was never without the cream cans and eggs for delivering and came to be known by many as the "egg lady" for the endless dozens of farm eggs. Her delight was the big garden that she planted and she always enjoyed doing all her yardwork and keeping the lawn looking top notch. Jean never regretted moving away from the city; the country is what she said was her home. She never stayed away from the farm too long; overnights were only if absolutely necessary because there was always work that had to be done. Jean loved playing fastball and was a very talented back catcher. She even had her ball team come out to stack bales once so that she could make it to town to play at sports day. Jean and a few ladies from the Lanigan Ladies Fastball team were asked to play on an elite team and go to Japan to play but she turned down the opportunity because she didn't want to leave her family or the work for others to do while she'd be away. Jean loved her family and no one ever left her house hungry. Even those stopping by for a coffee were never just served coffee because "just a coffee isn't enough". She loved spending time with her grandkids and watching them grow up on the farm. Everyone learned many things spending time with Grandma and never left her house empty handed. She was a good neighbor who looked out for everyone, and was always willing to help out wherever she could. She put everyone before herself. Jean was on the building committee for St. Mary's R.C. Church, a member of the UCWL at Sacred Heart Parish, and a dedicated member and volunteer of both churches. Jean will be lovingly remembered by her loving husband Mike Senko of Lanigan; her daughter Geraldine (Kevin) Ehalt of Humboldt and family, Rhonda (Blair) Swarbrick of Regina, Nicole(Brett) Walchuk of Moose Jaw, and Eric Ehalt of Lanigan; brothers: Bill Kostuk, Leonard Kostuk, and Max (Jill) Kostuk; sisters: Irene Thompson, June Duke, and Judy Kostuk; sister-in-law, Ann Kostuk; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her son Micheal John Senko (in infancy); parents Joe and Vera Kostuk; brother, Bob Kostuk; brothers-in-law: Clint Duke and Chuck Thompson; sister-in-law, Myrna Kostuk. The Prayer Service for Jean was held at St. Mary's R.C. Church, Lanigan, on Sunday, July 14, 2013 at 7:30 p.m., presided by Fr. Paul Paproski. Scripture readers were Fred Monchuk and Doreen Possberg. The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Mary's R.C. Church on Monday, July 15, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. celebrated by Fr. Paul Paproski. Others taking part were: Karl Senko, crossbearer; Louise Sutherland and Yvonne McCullum, scripture readers; Francis Washkowsky, intentions; Terry and Pat Bergquist, giftbearers; Gladys Lenyk and Rita Schmidt, memorial table attendants. Music ministry was provided by organist William Dodd and the St. Mary's Parish Choir. Honorary pallbearers were "all those who shared in Jean's life". Active pallbearers were Blair and Rhonda Swarbrick, Nicole and Brett Walchuk, Eric Ehalt, and Bernard Senko. Interment followed at Sacred Heart U.C. Cemetery in the Lanigan district. Memorial donations may be directed to The Heart and Stroke Foundation, Sacred Heart Cemetery Fund, or St. Mary's R.C. Church Fund. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK. (306-682-4114)
