Anne Cherwoniak

CHERWONIAK, Anne Sylvia (nee Wasylow) April 24, 1930 - January 8, 2008

Anne left this world peacefully just after midnight on Tuesday, January 8, 2008 with her family at her side. Anne was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the fifth of six children born to Anthony and Maria Wasylow. Her twin brother Walter died when they both caught pneumonia at nine months old. As a child Anne was very athletic and would often be the only girl playing hockey or ice-skating with the boys. She was quite skilled in the domestic arts as well, and was sewing for her mother and acting as neighborhood hairdresser from an early age.

In 1953 she married the love of her life, Joe Cherwoniak of Saskatoon. They moved to Calgary in 1959 with their two children Joanne and Daniel. From 1966 to 1976 Anne worked as a cashier on the Food Floor at Woodwards, Chinook Centre. She had many friends of staff and customers alike. Anne was often regarded as "striking", and was always stopped by strangers commenting on her gorgeous hair. Anne has inspired many with her sense of style and grace. Her happiest days were spent amongst family and friends, especially her grandchildren.

Anne's immediate family suffered many losses. Without hesitation she would travel to where she was needed, for weeks at a time, attending to the needs of the bereaved. She would cook, clean, and as a parting gesture, for which she was often teased, rearrange the furniture. Throughout the years Joanne and Dan's friends were always welcome in her home, knowing very well where the cookies were kept. She always opened her home, boarding friends and family for months at a time (or longer).

In 1991 Anne and Joe moved to Kelowna, British Columbia to begin their golden years together. Sadly, in 1992, Joe passed away from cancer. Undaunted, Anne accepted the challenge of this new phase in her life. She filled her days with home renovations and decorating and was very active with the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League (UCWLC).

In March 2006 Anne was diagnosed with ALS and moved back to Calgary. Anne faced her illness with characteristic determination and fortitude; however, she was also to experience a newfound calm and grace in the face of it. She touched many hearts and lives with her strength, sparkling eyes, infectious laughter and a smile that would light up a room.

The family is grateful for the kindness and attentive care provided to Anne in her last years by the staff at the Father Lacombe Care Centre in Calgary. They went above and beyond to see that her needs were met. Our deepest gratitude go out to Mom's special caregivers: her grandson Chris, Judy, Sherry, Sandy, Monica, Marta, Chelsea, Ginette, Mary Ellen, and Marcela. Also a great big thank you to all of the Doctors and staff at the ALS clinic at the Foothills Hospital. Mom always looked forward to attending the clinics because of the special attention she received. Many thanks go to the ALS Society. The resources they provided helped greatly as Mom's illness progressed. And Jane - you are the best.

Anne was predeceased by her parents, sisters Rose, Alice, Helen, brothers George and Alex and husband Joe. Anne is survived by her daughter Joanne Reimer (Tim), son Dan Cherwoniak (Val), grandchildren Nikki Reimer (Jonathon Wilcke), Chris Reimer, Stefan, Aaron and Elen Cherwoniak; brothers and sisters-in-law, and many loving nieces and nephews. May her strength and love continue to be a source of light to her friends and family in the years to come.

Prayer Services will be held on Sunday, January 13, 2008 at LEYDEN'S FUNERAL HOME, 17 Avenue and 2 Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, January 14, 2008 at St. Stephen's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 4903 - 45 Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta at 2:00 p.m. with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Society (265 Yorkland Boulevard, Suite 300, Toronto, Ontario M2J 1S5). Arrangements entrusted to LEYDEN'S FUNERAL HOME, RECEPTION and CREMATION CENTRE, 17 Avenue and 2 Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta. Telephone: 403-228-4422.