In Loving Memory of Tekla Szewciw (Shewciw) (nee Baluszewska), 97 years.
The family sadly announces her peaceful passing on January 18, 2022 at Pioneer Manor.
Beloved wife of Michael/Mike Szewciw (Shewciw) predeceased 2005. Loving mother of Roma of Sudbury and Tamara (husband Larry Ushey) of Sault Ste. Marie. Cherished grandmother of Juliann.
Tekla was born in a small town in Ukraine in 1924. During WWII she was captured by the Germans and forced to work as a labourer for them in Austria. After the war she stayed in Austria and that is where she met her future husband, Mike. They made plans to come to Canada together and be married there. As fate would have it, she left for Canada a few days ahead of Mike and they became separated. Arriving in Canada, not knowing when Mike would arrive, she took a chance and left a note for Mike with the train conductor. A few days later Mike was on that train and got the note! The only problem was that he went to Kiosk, Ontario to work at a lumber camp while she went to work at St. Perkin’s Hospital in Montreal. However they did get together and were eventually married in Sudbury in 1949 and that is where they started their family and lived.
Tekla was a stay at home mom till 1964 when she gained a part time position at the Sudbury YMCA. She was so thrilled to earn her own income. She then went on to work for the Holiday Inn till she retired. But even with working outside the home, she was still very active in her church and the local Ukrainian community. She continued with her Ukrainian community volunteering into her senior years, ultimately being honoured by the Ukrainian Seniors Centre with a volunteer medal. She delighted in her garden and then preserving fall’s bounty. She had a beautiful alto voice and enjoyed singing in different choirs, including in the opera Carmen that she participated in on her voyage to Canada. She was also a very talented seamstress, knitter and embroiderer. Her embroidery has been displayed at many Canadian venues and museums. She was a woman of great faith, who loved her family and loved life.
A special thank you to the staff of Pioneer Manor who took such loving care of her over the last few years.
Donations to Ukrainian Seniors Centre in her memory would be appreciated.
A private service has been held by the family. Arrangements entrused to the Lougheed Funeral Homes.