Obituary of Nancy Zaseybida

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Nancy Zaseybida on Tuesday, June 16, 2009. Nancy was born to John and Maria Ropchan at Soda Lake, AB. Her aim in life was to leave the world as a better place to live in than the way she found it. As a young woman, nursing training allowed her to assist Miss Black R.N. to travel to schools for health checks and inoculations of children in the Vegreville area where she and John also operated a very successful farm. Being a farm woman, Nancy became involved in public issues concerning rural and women’s needs. An appointment from a municipal government for Nancy to promote education beyond grade eight in the rural areas was accepted. She arranged public forums with visiting speakers from adult education programs to explain the merits of education. She also served on the executive of the Farmer Women’s Union of Alberta, the Women’s Institute, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Voice of Women and the Vegreville Exhibition Society. She served on the first Farm Improvement District Co. in 1928, then a delegate to the Associated Country Women of the World conference in 1953. She was Secretary Treasurer of the Vegreville CCF Federal Riding Association and was a volunteer with Red Cross and the Elizabeth Fry Society. Nancy and John both retired to Edmonton in 1968. After her husbands passing, she enjoyed traveling, reading extensively and her garden, the bounty from which she shared with her neighbours and friends. She remained politically active. She moved to Calgary in 2000 and enjoyed many happy times with her family. Nancy is survived by her daughter Christine Ropchan of Calgary; three sons, Orest, Edmonton and Leonard (Jean); her grandchildren who were very dear to her, Reginald, Brian, Barbara, Margaret (Doug) Lobb and Carol (Sam) Kamis; her great-grandchildren, Sara and Zoe Kamis, Frances and Alexandra Delaney, Kyle, Martin and Mitchell Lobb; brothers, George and Walter; sisters, Anne, Alice and Margaret; and their families. She is predeceased by her husband John, brothers, Alex, Sam and Bill, and sisters, Katherine and Vera. The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at Care West, Sarcee in Calgary, a special place where dedicated people cared for Nancy in this last chapter of her life. A Memorial Service will be held at Unitarian Church of Edmonton (10804, 119 Street) on Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 11 a.m. It will be a time to mourn, see friends, heal ourselves and celebrate Nancy’s life. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to a charity of the donor’s choice. In living memory of Nancy Zaseybida, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB Telephone: 1 (403) 243-8200.