With the same incredible grace and dignity that she lived her life, our beloved mother and grandmother Laura M. Prescesky (nee Ponkin) of North Battleford and more recently Saskatoon passed away peacefully Sunday morning September 11th surrounded with the love of her family at her daughter Elaine’s where she had resided for the past 20 months. Our mom lived a full life of 88 years. Her bravery was astounding and guided us through these last difficult days. In her final moments, we spoke to her about how she made us better people and how she warmed the hearts of all of us. Laura was born on the family farm at Marcelin on August 26th,1928. From the beginning, she was wise beyond her years. She loved school and excelled in her classes being allowed to skip several grades. At the very young age of 18, she became a teacher who taught school in many parts of the province including Ruddell, Wavie Bank, Baljennie, Richard and Maymont. Many students have benefitted from the life lessons she taught them. She considered strong social skills a necessity of life and taught her family and students the things that mattered most in life. It was during her teaching career that she met the love of her life, Peter. They married in 1948 settling on their farm where they raised their family. Laura was very involved in her community and also participated as a Home Care Board member and was active in the Women’s Institute of Canada. Her interests included the Toronto Bluejays, curling, travel and politics. In 1986 Peter and Laura moved into North Battleford. But it was her love for family and consideration for friends and neighbors that was her greatest attribute. Always there for them with kindness and thoughtful understanding, she was never judgmental and always looked for the good in everyone. Laura was an excellent cook and always the perfect hostess. Her yummy homemade bread, buns, borscht and date squares will be missed. Laura was predeceased by her husband Peter in June 2014 and her enjoyment of life was never quite the same without him. She was also predeceased by her loving grand-daughter Sandra, her parents Mabel and Joseph, siblings Evelyn and George and her in-laws Stephen and Polly. She is survived by her children who treasure her immensely – Sonja Prescesky Remai (John), Jim Prescesky (Debbie), Ken Prescesky (Jan), Linda Pattinson,( Don) and Elaine Prescesky (Blake Elderkin) along with grandchildren Darin, Crystal (Melissa), Terry (Mary), Donald ( Ashley), Michael and Colby along with great-grandchildren Jace, Tyler, Aiden, Kinley, Julian , Luke and her name sake Lillian Laura. Our family will forever live with mom’s gentle spirit. Her love of life inspires us to live in the moment and to always be kind. The funeral service paying tribute to our mother will be held at Third Avenue United Church in North Battleford on Saturday September 17th at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, Laura would prefer donations to Third Avenue United Church, North Battleford or the Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation. Battlefords Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
