WOYTIUK; Anne J Woytiuk, Baba was born at the family farm in Uhrynow, Saskatchewan on September 15, 1912 to Wasyl and Tekla Charko. She was the eldest of 5 children; Paul, Jean, Ron, and Olga. She passed away July 5, 2012, 2 months short of her 100th birthday. She is survived by her son Elmer Woytiuk, daughter Victoria (Peter) Krysak, grandchildren Tim (Joann) Krysak, Leanne (Michael) Wandzura, Kristy (Duane) Sletten, and Dorothy Krysak (Nathan Erickson). She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Matthew, James and Megan Krysak, Adam, Luke and Ethan Wandzura, and Justine and Dylan Sletten. These people constitute the central focus of Baba's life, as Baba's greatest joy was her family. Baba attended Uhrynow School with her best friend Ann Woytiuk. She continued her education in Krydor, completing Grade 9. Baba held jobs in Prince Albert and Winnipeg before returning to help on the family farm. Baba married John K. Woytiuk in November, 1943. Elmer and Victoria were born in 1944 and 1945. The family eventually settled on a farm outside of Krydor. They started out living in a straw-thatched roof house, on the promise of John that it would only be for "a few years". 10 years later, in 1956, the promised house was finally built. Their happiness in the new home was short lived, as in October 1958, John passed away suddenly. At this time, Baba took over all of the responsibilities of the farm, as well as the care of their 2 young children. With the help of her family and endless hours of hard work, the farm prospered under Baba's care. There was no task Baba wouldn't undertake, working in the field, milking the cows, and haying, among other things, all the while keeping an immaculate house and cooking and baking the most delicious fares. Baba also held jobs off the farm, working at the post office and the grocery store. Baba was always careful to treat her children fairly, ensuring that one never received something special without doing something special for the other. This is evidenced by the continued close relationship of Elmer and Vicky today. Baba was adamant that her children achieve higher education, doing everything she needed to ensure Elmer and Vicky could attend post secondary schooling. As a result of Baba's efforts, Elmer achieved a Bachelor's degree in Education, and Vicky completed a teaching certificate. After educating her children, Baba took an active role in helping to raise her grandchildren. Baba eventually moved to Krydor to care for her aging father. During these years she continued to influence her grandchildren and cook up delicious Sunday dinners, as well as doing some gardening, travelling, and playing the odd game of bingo. One of the highlights of her bingo career was winning $5000 on the Kinsmen Kingo Bingo. She lived at home until it became necessary to be moved to a care home at the age of 96. She leaves behind a legacy of sacrifice, love of family, humour, and an endless supply of "Baba-isms". Baba's life was celebrated with a Divine Liturgy on Wednesday, July 11th, 2:00pm, at the Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church in Krydor, SK. Email condolences may be sent to [email protected]. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Hawryluk Funeral Home. _____________________________________________________________
