Obituary of Janet SWENARCHUK

March 17, 1919 – October 10, 2011 Our beloved matriarch, Janet Swenarchuk, passed away peacefully at the Carewest Sarcee Hospice on Monday, October 10, 2011 at the age of 92. Janet was born in Canora, SK, the youngest of seven children of George and Makrina Osadchuk. Janet grew up in the Canora / Burgis area and married a young teacher, Michael Swenarchuk, in 1938. Their long, loving marriage lasted 72 years, until Michael’s death on February 26, 2011. They raised three children and made a significant contribution to every community in which they lived. Janet had many talents. She was an excellent homemaker and mother, demonstrating expert skills in cooking, baking, knitting, sewing and embroidery. She was an avid reader, a creative writer (published), a top student when she pursued a psychology degree at the University of Saskatchewan in her 40’s. She graduated with distinction in 1965 along with her son Lauren, and embarked upon a successful career as a social worker. She was a pioneer in the interracial and international adoption placement of older children from the province of Saskatchewan. Janet and Michael were devoted members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Both of them held leadership positions in the Saskatoon, Regina and Kelowna congregations. Janet was the editor of From Dreams to Reality, a book profiling the senior citizens of the Regina Ukrainian Orthodox community and their families. In 1980 Janet and Michael retired to Kelowna, BC where they enjoyed life until 2006. Ill health precipitated their move to Calgary to be closer to family. They enjoyed their five years at The Lodge at Valley Ridge, particularly appreciating their new friendships and the kindness and attention of staff members. Janet is survived by her daughter Bonnie Zwack and son Dr. Lauren Swenarchuk; four grandchildren Michael (Alyson) Zwack, Andrea Zwack (Michael Vermette), Kathryn Zwack (Brian Allison) and Larissa Swenarchuk; her seven great-grandchildren Annalise and Nicholas Zwack, Robert, Jonathon and Meskele Allison, Lindsay and Julia Vermette. She is also survived by nephew Robert (Chris) Swenarchuk and niece Olive (Al) King, and several other nieces and nephews. Janet was predeceased by her six siblings, her youngest child Michelle (2008) and her son-in-law Robert Zwack (1986). Janet’s family is grateful for the care and attention given to her at the Valley Ridge Lodge and the Carewest Sarcee Hospice. She felt loved and pampered at the hospice by all who cared for her. At the lodge she appreciated the friendship and support of Alice Dewis and Lori Morris, and the tender loving care of Dorian, Elizabeth and others. Margaret Thorson visited her often and was much loved by both Janet and Michael. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Crowfoot Chapel (82 Crowfoot Circle NW), on Friday, October 14, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Requiem Service will be held at St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church (402 Meredith Road NE) on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Mountain View Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church (402 Meredith Road NE, Calgary, T2E 5A6) or to the Carewest Sarcee Hospice (3504 Sarcee Road SW, Calgary, T3E 4T4 ) or to a charity of their choice. In living memory of Janet Swenarchuk, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW Telephone: (403) 241-0044.