Obituary of Miriam SARDACHUK

August 27, 1935 – Orcadia, Saskatchewan
September 22, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

With deep sorrow we announce the passing of Miriam Sardachuk. Miriam was born on August 27, 1935 in Orcadia, Saskatchewan, the youngest daughter of Edmund and Ida Heckert.  She passed away peacefully from her earthly existence to the arms of her Saviour on September 22, 2020.  

Miriam grew up on the farm near Minitonas, Manitoba, with her sisters Ruth, Wilma and her parents. The three sisters were introduced to the rigors of farming and were involved in all manner of the labor that farming entailed.  In 1952, at age 17, she trained as a teacher and taught in the local Ravensworth school district. A year later she moved to Winnipeg where she met Edmund (Ed) Sardachuk, the love of her life, and married on October 22, 1955.  That same year, they moved to Calgary where they lived through their nearly 65 years of marriage.

After their arrival in Calgary, Ed and Miriam built their first home in Cambrian Heights, one of several that they built together in northwest Calgary and area over the years, where they raised their three sons, Marc (1956), Grant (1958) and James (1963).  While Ed was the breadwinner, Miriam was the consummate homemaker, investing her life in her boys and supporting Ed in his work and career.  Miriam also made sure that their homes were welcoming to all guests; family, friends and strangers.

Miriam and Ed were deeply committed to their faith community as well as many faith-based and humanitarian charities.  At church, Miriam served tirelessly as a volunteer and was very active in the hospitality ministry, working alongside many other women who became some of her closest friends.  As wife and mother she invested equally in the physical, emotional and spiritual welfare of her family.  As grandmother and great grandmother she continued to display her giving spirit in many different ways with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Her love and generosity will be missed by all.

Miriam is survived by her husband Edmund, her three sons, Marc (Barbara), Grant (Shelagh) and James (Dianne) Sardachuk; her five grandchildren, Jason (Leah), Christy (Michael), Shandell (Jordan), Daniel and Ryan; nine great-grandchildren, Oliver, Wesley, Kya, Crosby, Kaleb, Abby, Kali, Kasey and Brielle; and her sister Wilma McWhinney. She was predeceased by her parents, Edmund and Ida Heckert, her sister Ruth (Gust), and a sister, deceased at birth.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, October 1, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. COVID social distancing and mask protocols will be observed.

While funeral service attendance at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2020, is restricted to invited guests only, a livestream of the service may be viewed by clicking the following link: brentview.online.church.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to Humanitarian Aid Response Team, #106, 90 Freeport Blvd, NE, Calgary, AB, T3J 5J9, Telephone: (403) 230-8263,  www.hart.ca/donate/, or Hospice Calgary, 1245 – 70th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB  T2H 2X8, Telephone: (403) 263-4525, www.hospicecalgary.ca/support-us. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Miriam’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at both the Foothills Medical Centre (Unit 36) and Rosedale Hospice for their compassionate care for Miriam in her last days. 

In living memory of Miriam Sardachuk, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area.