Maria (nee Romancyia) Skafte was born on the farm at Blue Bird, Sask. on July 22, 1917. She passed away March 26, 2015. She would have been 98 years young in July. She leaves to remember her, children Thor (Ruth) of Fort St John, B.C.; Carl (Ione) of Lethbridge, Alta.; Sylvia Dixon of Grimshaw, Alta.; Elizabeth (Larry) Vassa of Gladstone, Man.; and Stephen of North Battleford, Sask. She leaves sisters Olga Fournier of Valleyview, Alta., and Minnie Romancyia of Vancouver, B.C.; brother Mike (Lorette) Kowalchuk of Lacombe, Alta.; and many nephews and nieces. She had nine grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. She leaves special friend Jean Hays, and many friends in the Speers and North Battleford area. She was predeceased by her parents, Steve and Mary Romancyia, husband, Hjorwarld (Howard) Skafte; daughter, Marion; sons Harold, Ken and Amil; granddaughter, Julie Ann Dixon; brothers Alex, Dick, Pete, John, Paul and Bill; and sisters, Katie Dice and Rosie Bohun. Maria was known for her hard work, her ready smile, and her love of life. She loved gardening, playing Kaiser and was an excellent cook (she was the favourite among the threshing crews). She worked tirelessly on the farm raising a family, cooking for crews, looking after a huge garden and doing all of the chores that came with a farm. They moved to Speers to retire, but still kept chickens, and had a huge garden and orchard. Maria was a frequent hostess at the senior's centre. When Howard passed away, she took it in stride and just picked up his share of the yard and garden work; she was a realist. As Maria's health failed, she moved to Hafford, then to Rose Gill Lodge in Rabbit Lake, and finally to Wheatland Lodge in Leask. She met many new friends and maintained her sense of humor through each challenge that came her way. She was a remarkable lady with a good perspective on life. She will be missed by the many people who knew and loved her. The family extends special thanks to the staff at Wheatland Lodge who cared for mom, who loved her, who gave her the love of doing puzzles and who laughed and cried with her. They are a dedicated, loving group of care givers. In Maria's memory, please donate to Wheatlodge Lodge, Leask, Sask. Maria would certainly ask that you reach out to a special senior, tell them how much you care and pay a special visit. A memorial and celebration of her life will be held at a later time for family and friends. The family has entrusted the staff of Sallows & McDonald-Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home with arrangements 306-445-2418.
