Jennie Surjik, resident of St. Paul Lutheran Home in Melville, formerly of Yorkton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at the age of 100 years & 7 days. Jennie Surjik was born on November 3, 1912 at Edwand, AB; a daughter of Katherine (nee Lubaczewski) and Peter Jesskar. They moved in 1917 to a small town south of Winnipeg during the flu epidemic. Two years later they moved back to Mundare, AB where she received most of her junior years of education. At 13 years of age her father heard there was excellent land available south of Kamsack, in the Togo area of Saskatchewan. They moved there to start farming. Jennie completed her schooling at the Poplar Point School. Not long after Jennie met a handsome young farm gentlemen by the name of Stephen Surjik, the couple were married in 1928. Raising three boys and a daughter kept her very busy through their farming years; however, she had a great love and passion for gardening with many varieties of roses and gladiolas to beautify her yard. She even had time to do a correspondence class in landscaping. She took great pride in explaining the different varieties of flowers and plants and how beautiful they were. The family moved to Yorkton in 1944 as Jennie felt better schools to further the children's education was most important. Jennie was very active in the community; she belonged to the St. Andrew's United Church Women's Club; she had served as president of the Lionel Club and also belonged to a bridge club, which continued for many years. Her children were still her main pride and she made sure they were enrolled in cubs, scouts, and later air cadets. She made sure her children all had an opportunity to attend university as well. Jennie entered St. Paul Lutheran Home in Melville in February of 2012 after spending time at Sacred Heart Assisted Living. Predeceased by her husband Stephen in 1999; her siblings: Marjorie, Evangeline, Minnie, Rose & infant son Edmund; and by a sonin-law, Glenn Wheeler. She leaves to cherish her memory: son David (Myrtle) Surjik of Regina and their family: David Jr (and son Nicholas) of Regina, Stephen (Sheena Graham) of Toronto, Myeva (Mathew) Fox (and son Darwin) of Regina, Lynda Surjik of Regina and her children Albert & Anika. Daughter Sonja Wheeler of Swift Current and her daughters: Glenda (Gerald) Elliott of Pasqua Lake (and children Melanie (Ryan) Baumann of Regina & Justin (Camille) Elliott (and daughter Emerson Marie) of Regina), Larisa (Marco Bracci) & step-sons Antonio & Lorenzo Bracci of Arnprior, ON, Kim (Robin Knight) & step-daughters Rachael & Sarah Knight of Loveland, CO. Son Victor (Evelyn) Surjik of Yorkton and their family: Del (Johnna Wright) & son Sascha of Saskatoon, Nadine (Dr. Jack Junek) of Yorkton, Lyndon of Vancouver, Brad (Tara Haugen) of Yorkton & children Jacob & Hannah, J'neene (Colin) Ethier of Yorkton. Son Randy of Shaunavon. Several nieces, nephews, and her many other relatives and friends. The funeral service was held on Saturday, November 17, 2012 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Cordelia Karpenko of the United Church officiating. Organist, Amanda Buhler led the congregation in the singing of the hymns "All Things Bright & Beautiful" & "Amazing Grace". Special Music - "What A Wonderful World" was sung by grandson Lyndon Surjik. The eulogy was given by granddaughter, Glenda Elliott. The interment took place in the Garden of St. John with Al Greschuk, Gerald Elliott, Jack Junek, Del Surjik, Brad Surjik, Nadine Surjik & Justin Elliott serving as the casketbearers. Condolences may be sent to www.baileysfuneralhome.com. Memorials were to SIGN, St. Paul Lutheran Home, or to one's charity of choice. Arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.
