Anne Stronciski

Anne Stronciski

November 22, 1932 – October 12, 2022 (89 years)

Of Grandview, formerly of Rossburn and Sandy Lake

It is with saddened hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Anne Stronciski (nee Derkach) at the Grandview Personal Care home on Wednesday, October 12^th, 2022 (89 years).

Anne was born on a farmstead in the rural municipality of Rossburn, on November 22, 1932, to her parent’s Michael and Nellie (nee Kostiew) Derkach.  She grew up along side her brothers Ernie and Tony, and her sister Florence.  Later, once Anne left the family farm her brother Raymond (Saley) was born. 

She went to the rural Chmelnyski School in Rossburn.  In order to progress into high school, she would have had to move to town.  Since money was tight, her parents were not able to afford to pay room & board.  It was decided that her schooling would be complete at grade 9.  Anne worked various housekeeping jobs in the community of Rossburn at the age of 17.  Then, in 1949 she moved to Winnipeg with friends and worked in housekeeping at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.  At this time, she lived in the nurse’s residence.  During the Polio Epidemic in 1950, she worked at the King George Hospital putting hot forments on the patients in the iron lung.

In 1953 Anne married the love of her life and best friend Mike.  They then moved to Sandy Lake where Mike was a Blacksmith.  Life was not easy though, there was no water works in the house.  Water had to be carried in by hand, and in the winter ice blocks were used, but on the bright side, there was electricity.  At this time her love of gardening and canning grew, mostly out of necessity.  Mike and Anne welcomed their first child Ken in 1954.  Their second son Karl was born in 1956.  During this time Anne worked at the Sandy Lake Personal Care home and helped Mike with the Blacksmith business.  Years later in 1964 their first daughter Dianne was born and in that same year the family of 5 moved to the farm in the Hollyburn district. Again, no waterworks but lots of space for their family and plenty of room for a big garden.  Anne loved to be able to help her husband on the farm looking after the animals that consisted of cows, pigs and chickens.  In 1966, the addition of their son David completed their family.

Anne loved to cook and bake for her family, friends, and neighbours who would often come to visit.  Anne and Mike went on several trips to Edmonton, Victoria and St. Catharines to visit relatives.  Along the way the family would stop to camp, have picnics and enjoy roadside attractions.

Anne was a dedicated Catholic and regularly attended the Ukrainian Catholic church at Riding Park.  She enjoyed being part of the church’s sisterhood and made lasting friendships with the other ladies.  Later in life she spent her time with different organizations including the Senior choir and the Pleasant Valley Women’s Institute.  She was a secretary for the W.I. for many years, and for 4 years, she was part of the provincial board representing the west region.  She also enjoyed nature, playing cards, reading and attending anniversaries and birthday parties.  Anne dedicated her life to looking after her family and the people around her.  Her pride and joy was her family.  Everyone that came to know Anne knew her as a kind, loving, gentle and generous lady.   Her smile and kind nature will be truly missed by all.

She leaves to cherish in her memory, her loving husband Mike of 68 years, her children Ken (Susan), Karl (Anita), Dianne Van De Kerckhove (Fred), and David (Jamie), her grandchildren Jason (Monica), Scott (Marcie), Micheal, Crystal, Joey, Jordyn, Maximus and McCoy, her great grandchildren Harmonia, Tate, Taylor, Brandyn, Jadyn, Breanna, Emilie, Johnathan, Abegayle, Declan, Quinn and Callen, her Brother Raymond Saley (Lorraine),  and sister in-law Mary Derkach.

Anne is predeceased by her parents Mike and Nellie (Anastasia) Derkach, her sister Florence Krulick, her brothers Tony Derkach (Jane), and Ernie Derkach; her parent’s in-law Peter Stronciski and Mary Crecor, her sister in-law Stephania Fedak (George), and her grand-daughter Cynthia Stronciski.

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