Ann Boychuk

Ann (Anastasia Terre) Boychuk passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026. She lived for most of her life in St. Paul, Alberta. In April, she relocated to a long-term-care facility in Calgary near her daughter Linda’s home.

Born to immigrant refugee parents from the Volga region of Russia, Ann’s early family history was shaped by displacement and hardship. The experiences of German families in Canada during and after the Second World War left a lasting impression on her, contributing to her cautious and thoughtful nature, as well as a deep concern for the safety and well-being of those she loved.

Ann married John Boychuk in 1949. They raised five children. Once they were in school, she was encouraged by her husband to start her own business. In 1962, Ann and her sister Mary purchased Mae Fair Fabrics, a small shop that offered patterns for dresses and other garments, fabrics, buttons and zippers. The sisters were accomplished seamstresses and sewed summer frocks and graduation dresses for generations of local women and schoolgirls. They grew the business to include drapery and wallpaper. At a time when few women worked outside of the home, theirs was a successful business that served the community for 20 years. 

Ann kept busy in retirement, driving for Meals on Wheels and undertaking alterations for long-time clients. She made many quilts that her grandchildren loved. She also enjoyed get-togethers for Sunday breakfasts, which were often followed by casino outings. She and John also travelled to visit their children.

John died in 2016 and Ann moved into a retirement residence in 2019. She lived there until health problems meant she needed a different level of care. With no long-term-care beds available in St. Paul, her children moved her to an assisted-living residence in Calgary. 

Family was the center of Ann’s life, and she took great pride in providing for and supporting those she loved. Her sense of responsibility, resilience, and steady presence shaped generations. 

Ann was a caring, deeply religious woman who was always ready to help others. She lived her faith through quiet service, generosity, and compassion. A dedicated businesswoman, she balanced her professional life with unwavering devotion to her family, lovingly caring for her husband and raising her children with strength, discipline, and tenderness.

Ann leaves behind a legacy of faith, hard work, and selfless love. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her family and all who knew her.

Ann was predeceased by her husband, John; her parents; her brother John, and sisters Mary, Emma and Lorraine. She is survived by her brothers Alex (Edmonton) and Adolph (Pembroke, Ont.); her five children: Linda Laing (Calgary), Richard (Ottawa), Barbara / Glen (Vancouver), Randy (Houston, Texas) and Maryann / Michael (Kelowna); eight grandchildren: Tanya and Nerissa Laing, Jasper, Claire, Craig, Tasha and Garrett Boychuk; and eight great-grandchildren: Olivia and Petra Ishak, John and Juniper Boychuk, Edith and Rémi Wallenberg Boychuk, Mira Kane Harland and Gavin Boychuk.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, January 7 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Cathedral, St. Paul. Reverend Father Jerish Jose Arackal will be officiating with interment in Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, St. Paul.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Paul Abilities Network (SPAN) ℅ 5626-51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1. To send condolences online, please visit www.gracegardensfuneralchapel.com

GRACE GARDENS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 5626 – 51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1 780-645-2677