Obituary

On January 13, 2021, Mrs. Anna Magas of Smoky Lake passed away suddenly at the age of 94 years. She is survived by 7 children, Lillian (Maurice) Bly-Gardiner, Johnny Tkachyk, Emile (Supakon) Tkachyk, Leon (Janet) Tkachyk, Irene (Josh) Atkinson, Peter (Tanya) Tkachyk & Stephanie (Ed) English; 17 grandchildren, Honey, Shelby, Stephen, Amanda, Jennifer, Ceiba, Montana, Kenya, Grant, Joey, Heather, NormaGene, Garrett, AnnaBelle, Holly, Eli & Andi; 3 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Pearl David & Victoria Magas. She was predeceased by her son, Andy Tkachyk; parents, Stefan & Maria Magas; 5 sisters, Rose Trufyn, Alice Pawliuk, Katie Drebit, Nellie Stolarchuk & Violet Babichuk; 5 brothers, Metro, George, Peter, Walter & Bill; infant sister, Rosalie.

Anna Magas was born on March 23, 1926. She was raised on the family farm south of Vilna and attended Sunny Knoll School. Life on the farm was not an easy one; she was a Jack of all trades. From raising 8 children she managed to make time to attend to all the farm animals, gardening, preserving, cooking, baking (24 loaves of the best homemade bread, weekly), and sewing. Her life centered around her children. She was proud of all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved attending all their activities, school concerts, Ukrainian dancing, to numerous family functions. She loved showing pictures and talking about their accomplishments and achievements. (Mom was instrumental in starting the Vilna Veselka Dance Club which to this date is still going) In her spare time, Mom enjoyed doing crafts of all kinds, such as Artex paintings, making Ukrainian dolls, cross-stitching, Easter eggs, and just recently canvas paintings. In her younger years, she danced the Charleston and Can-Can (complete with the fringed dress and hairpiece of feathers) with a group of ladies in the area. Her favorite past times included mushroom and berry picking. For over 30 years she loved singing in the St. Paul Ukrainian choir, going from place to place showcasing their talents and producing a few CDs; as well as singing in the Smoky Lake and Vilna choirs. She also absolutely loved dancing! Mom loved to travel. Some of her destinations were England, France, Scotland, Greece, Finland, Cuba, Honduras, Turkey, Hawaii, Alaska, New York, and numerous places in Canada, making and keeping contact with many people along the way. Her trip to the Ukraine to visit family still living there was the highlight of her travels. Mom liked to experience life to the fullest and at the age of 85, she got her first and only tattoo. Then at the age of 88 her son-in-law, Ed took her for a spin on his Harley, leathers and all! This brought out the youth in her. Mom had a strong belief in her Ukrainian heritage. She attended many church services and looked forward every year to Provody where family was buried. We are fondly left with many great memories of Mom, and she will be greatly missed by all! May you rest in peace! Vichnaya Pamyat.

The family would like to thank the Bar V Nook Manor and the Smoky Lake Health Centre staff for their kind and compassionate care. A Private Family Funeral Service will be held at Grace Gardens Funeral Chapel, St. Paul. Reverend Father Peter Haugen will be officiating with interment in Descent of the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery, Stry. Those wishing to view the service online may do so by Livestream on Wednesday, January 20 at 1:00 p.m. by clicking the Live Service link above. A recording of the service will also be made available. A Celebration of Anna’s Life will be held at a later date. If desired, donations may be made to Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of one’s choice c/o 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