It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce the passing of Bernice Gulka Maksymiw on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at the age of 97 years. Bernice passed away in her home living her best life. She was proud to have maintained her house, yard, garden, flowers, vehicle and daily chores right up till her passing. She never felt as if she retired because as she said, “that’s for when you get old” and she was not old! She was young at heart and lived that way every day. She loved hosting Christmas Eve supper in her home every year, Easter dinner, gardening, making preserves, attending church, participating in all Club 60 events and maintaining friendships over coffee.

     Bernice was born September 3, 1920 to Walter and Annie Novakowski in the Hazel Dell District. She was the second oldest of sixteen children. Her siblings included Walter, Mike, Mary, Carl, Helen, Frank, Paul, Edmund, Joseph, Frank, Edward, Rosie, Rudolph, Steve and Pauline. It wasn’t easy growing up in the Depression. Hard work and sacrifice were expected and something to which she had become accustomed.

     On November 20, 1939 Bernice married Paul Gulka and they had three children; Joe (who died in infancy), Agnes and Morris. They farmed southwest of Preeceville until Paul’s death in 1977. At that time Bernice learned to drive and became more independent. She moved to Preeceville in 1979 where she began work as a house painter and then as a cook at the Golden West Hotel. During her years in town she immersed herself in many activities. She was active in carpet bowling, shuffle board, dancing, playing Bingo, pinching perogies with the Church ladies and attending Club 60. A highlight for her was winning a gold medal at the 2002 Saskatchewan Senior Games in North Battleford.

     Throughout her life she had a love of reading and enjoyed learning something new every day. Bernice was a thoughtful and patient listener and enjoyed conversing on a wide range of topics. She loved reminiscing about all of her fondest memories of growing up, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren most of all! Her love for them knew no bounds. They were her greatest joy and she was immensely proud of each of them. She loved visits and phone calls, photos and letters. She longed to see them every day but kept them in her daily thoughts and prayers and wished them all love, happiness and success.

     In 1991 Bernice married George Maksymiw, but unfortunately that marriage was short lived as he passed away that same year. She handled all that life threw at her with good grace and resolve. She was widowed twice but carried on.

     Bernice aged beautifully because she was truly young at heart. She took joy in the simple things and lived a modest but comfortable life. She was strong, hard working, determined, independent and at times stubborn but that’s how she needed to be to live on her own for 40 years. She never complained or wanted to be a burden. She thrived and lived life exactly on her own terms. She loved life!

Baba we loved you too! To the moon and back several times over. We miss you already and send love and hugs to you. Rest now Baba. You’ve earned it. Love Always and Forever.

     Bernice is survived by her daughter Agnes Terletski (Ed) and their children Michelle Macklin, Miranda MacNeil (Mike) and Shane; son Morris (Barb) and their children Melanie Kalmakoff (Jeff), Louella, Sheldon, and Meaghan Nelson (Shane); Great Grandchildren Matthew and Tyler Macklin; Amanda and Alyssa MacNeil;  Samuel, Sarah and Natasha Kalmakoff; Jack and Oliver Nelson.

     Bernice’s family is what gave her love and strength to live 97 wonderful years. She wanted to see tomorrow. She celebrated birthdays because they were special and she wanted us to know how much she loved and adored us. We all knew. We never had reason to doubt it. Her love was in everything she said and did.

Prayers were held on Thursday, November 16th and the Funeral Liturgy on Friday, November 17, 2017 at Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Catholic Church in Preeceville with Very Rev. Fr. Joakim Rac as the Celebrant. The responses were led by Zita Serhan and the Parish Choir. The Cross Bearer was Natasha Kalmakoff.

The interment followed in the Parish Cemetery with Sheldon Gulka, Jeff Kalmakoff, Shane Nelson, Samuel Kalmakoff, Orest Kaminski and Gerald Gulka serving as the casket bearers.

Vichnaya Pamyat! Eternal Memory!

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