OCHITWA – Rose Ochitwa wife of the Late Tony Ochitwa of the Invermay Health Centre, formerly of Sturgis passed away on January 4, 2017 at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon. She was ninety four years of age.

Rosalia Ochitwa was born on October 16, 1922 in the Beaverdale/Jedburgh district of Saskatchewan to Frank and Annie (nee Pacholko) Zulyniak. She was the second oldest of four children.  She attended Normal School at Regina and Moose Jaw.  She worked hard on the family farm and after completing her education Rose went on to become a teacher for thirteen and a half years at Swan Bluff School.  She had wonderful stories of teaching all ages of children in a one-room school house. Her students kept in touch throughout her life and continued to visit Rose up until her final days.  One of her happiest memories in recent years was the Swan Bluff school reunion in August 2012 where former students attended from all over North America.

     In about 1944 she caught the eye of a strapping young Army soldier.  Tony made sure he bought Rose’s pie at the local social so he could have a dance with her and the rest was history. Rose and Anthony Ochitwa were married on July 4, 1945.  They started their life homesteading and lived in a twelve foot granary for a year until they built a log home.  Rose and Tony had two children, Diana and Rick.  They farmed for many years and operated the Sturgis Motel from 1977 - 1984 while continuing to farm.  They moved to a house in Sturgis in 1985 and later to Canora.

     Rose was full of energy and constantly busy.  She was an active baseball player in her younger days. She loved dancing. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, playing cards and bingo and was exceptionally lucky at games. She worked hard and never hesitated to take on a task, no matter how big or messy. She was an avid gardener and Tony and Rose’s gardens on the farm and in Sturgis were big enough to feed a small nation.  She loved canning, making jam and pickles for the whole family.  We never left her home empty handed.  Her meals were legendary.  She fed everyone who came to visit and there was never a shortage of food.  We will dearly miss her perogies and pickles!

     Family and friends were Rose’s passion and delight.  She will forever be remembered as a loving, gentle and very humble woman.  She never said a harsh word about anyone.  Her generosity and kindness was an example to us all.  If Rose and Tony saw a person in need they were the first ones there to help out with clothing, meals, painting, cleaning, building, etc.  Their extended “family” had no limits.  Even in her final days she would always thank the medical staff every time they helped her.

     Rose lived a good life and at age ninety four, knew it was time to rest.  She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.  We love you Mom/Baba!

     Rose was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Anthony Ochitwa; brother, Mike Zulyniak; sister-in-law, Olga Zulyniak; sister, Mary Wenet; brother-in-law, John Wenet; and brother, Frank Zulyniak.

     Rose is survived by her daughter, Diana Smith; son, Rick Ochitwa (Donna); grandchildren, Gina Smith, Croy Smith (Kerrie), Nolan Ochitwa, Lauren Ochitwa, Claire Ochitwa; great-grandchildren, Brett Smith, Bryker Smith and Bostin Smith; sister-in-law, Elsie Zulyniak; son-in-law, Ron Smith; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends.

     Rose’s family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Gladstone Seniors Residence in Yorkton, Invermay Health Centre and St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon for the kind and compassionate care of Rose over the years and in her final days.

     Funeral Services were held on Monday, January 9, 2017 from the Chapel of Preeceville Funeral Home with Very Rev. Fr. Joakim Rac officiating. Zita Serhan with members of the Holy Transfiguration parish choir led in the singing of the responses. Granddaughter, Gina Smith and great granddaughter Lauren Ochitwa gave a tribute and words of remembrance on behalf of the family. Bryker Smith served as the crossbearer. Interment followed in the Canora Town Cemetery with Gina Smith, Croy Smith, Nolan Ochitwa, Lauren Ochitwa, Claire Ochitwa, Brett Smith and Bostin Smith serving as the casketbearers. 

     Condolences can be sent to the family at www.preecevillefunerahome.com     Memorials in memory of Rose may be made to the Preeceville Hospital Auxiliary as gifts of remembrance.   

ВІЧНАЯ ПАМ’ЯТЬ             ETERNAL MEMORY

     Arrangements were entrusted to Preeceville Funeral Home.

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