Obituary of Ann Helen Stefanyk

Ann Stefanyk, a long time resident of Bonanza, Alberta passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2015 in Dawson Creek, B.C. at the age of 97 years. Ann was born and baptized as Hania Helen Mechaniuk to parents Angela (Nellie) and Max Mechanuik on a small farm in Stuartburn, Manitoba on August 16, 1917. She was the eldest of eight children, including: Mary, Francis, Tom, Emma, Mike, Jean, and Albert. As a young girl, Ann was always busy caring for her younger siblings, looking after the house, helping her parents and cooking for the threshing crews. She gained her extraordinary cooking skills at a very young age. Ann met Peter Stefanyk in Rycroft, and they were married on June 8, 1937 and settled in Bonanza, Alberta. They became the proud parents of five beautiful children: Edward, Lawrence, James, Marilyn, and Philip. Ann loved being a mother so much, she always said in her next life she would have even more children. Peter passed away in January of 1993 at the age of 83 years. For the next thirteen years, Ann continued to live independently on the farm with a lot of help from her son Jimmy. She then left the farm and moved into Spruceland Manor in Dawson Creek in 2006. In 2012, she moved into Northview Assisted Living. Although Ann had hardships in her life over the years, nothing compares to when her son Jimmy passed suddenly in September of 2010. A piece of her spirit died that day as she never truly recovered from this. However, it never stopped her from continuing on with life in a positive way. She always said that she would be down and out, but would only allow it for half a day, and then force herself to pull it together. She always set a good example, and loved everyone unconditionally. Over the years on the farm, Ann kept busy tending to her family, garden, yard, flowers, chickens, pigs, and anyone who walked through her door. Ann loved all people regardless of age or stature and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Her grandchildren have fond memories of the times they spent with her during their childhoods. They would beg their parents to go there for a couple days and end up staying for a week or two. At the end of each day, Grandma Ann always found time to sit and write in her diary, she never missed a day. Some of her favorite things were: sunrises, sunsets, and the changing of seasons. Though Grandma Ann underwent various surgeries over the years, she always took pride in being independent and living on her own nearly to the end of her journey. She could still cook and bake better than most, handle her affairs and keep us all updated on what was going on in everyone's life. She never forgot anything and never missed a beat. Grandma Ann was happiest when she was looking after her family as they were her world. Her immediate family included: Her son Edward (Elsie), her son Lawrence (Dorothy), their children Thomas (Tamara), and Tony, her son James, her daughter Marilyn, grandchildren Allison (Ryan), great grandson Reid, Travis (Jillian), great granddaughters Arianna and Emelia, and her son Philip (Cindy), their children Shelli (Sean), great grandson Wyatt, Neil (Nicole), great grandsons Seth and Finn, Stacey (Trevor) and great granddaughter Taylor. A Celebration of Ann's Life was held on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 12:00 PM from Reynars Funeral Chapel. Pastor Dave Brisbin officiated. Interment followed in the Hillhaven Cemetery, Bonanza, AB. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Ann to the South Peace Hospice Palliative Care Society, #3, 929-106th Avenue, Dawson Creek, B.C. V1G 2N8 Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium Celebration of Life 12:00 pm Thursday, May 28, 2015 Reynars Funeral Chapel 1300 102nd Avenue Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada V1G 2C6 Pastor Dave Brisbin will officiate. A private family interment will follow in the Hillhaven Cemetery, Bonanza, AB.