Obituary of Jean TOMKO-YURCHEVICH

June 5, 1921 – August 25, 2011 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Jean on August 25, 2011. She was predeceased by her first husband John Tomko in 1989 and is survived by her second husband Joseph Yurchevich; her daughter Gail (Brian) Liggett; and Jean’s siblings, Walter Hyciek, Frank Hyciek, Sophie (Bill) Norn, and Cas (Evelyn) Hyciek; loving grandchildren, Janine (Ryan) van Beurden and Michelle Liggett; great-grandchildren, Calla Jean and Rowan John van Beurden; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jean was born in Jordanow, Poland and immigrated to Canada in 1939. She met and married John, an RAF pilot in 1944. They lived and raised their family in Calgary. Jean was a talented seamstress, cook and canasta player. She was so excited to volunteer her time sewing costumes for the opening ceremonies of the 1988 Winter Olympics. She loved to have her family around her and we celebrated many happy memories at the kitchen table. Jean was famous for her poignant observations and comments that would always have us laughing. She was a generous and loving soul. In 1991 Jean was fortunate to marry Joe who gave her a second beautiful life full of travel, cards and dancing as well as a loving extended family. They celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary this February by going on a cruise to Panama. We were so lucky to have her with us as long as we did but that time would never be enough. We are comforted to know that from our loving hearts we entrust her into God’s loving arms. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church (835 Northmount Drive N.W.) on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church (835 Northmount Drive N.W.) on Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes in Jean’s honour may be made directly to the Canadian Diabetes Association, #204, 2323 – 32nd Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 6Z3 Telephone: (403) 266-0620, ext. 112, www.diabetes.ca. In living memory of Jean Tomko-Yurchevich, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.