Obituary of Katrina (Katie) SACHKO (nee Cherniwchan)

April 6, 1931 – Bellis, Alberta
February 16, 2021 - Black Diamond, Alberta

It is with heartfelt sorrow the family of Katie Sachko of Black Diamond, AB, announce her passing on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, just short of her 90th birthday.

Katie was born to Eli and Anna Cherniwchan of Bellis, AB. In their marriage, Katie and William resided in several northeastern Alberta communities, where William was a school teacher. They retired and moved to Boyle, AB, and then to Black Diamond, AB.

Katie will be forever loved and remembered by her loving husband, William of seventy-three years, her six children, Richard (Bonny), Delores (Ted), Robert (Laurie), Conrad (Judith), Corinna (Kevin), and Troy (Corrine); ten grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. She will also be remembered by her sister Anne, sister-in-law Katherine, brothers-in-law, Les and Bruce; numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends. 

Katie was predeceased by her parents, Eli and Anna; sisters, Pearl, Mary, Lena, Nellie, Lucy, and Effie; brothers, Bill, John, Steve, Nick, Harry, George, Metro, and Alex.

A private family graveside gathering will be held. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Katie’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Sheep River Health Trust at https://sheepriverhealthtrust.ca/memorial-gifts/ and please specify the Rising Sun Long Term Care as the receiver of your donation.

A special thank you goes out to the doctors, nurses and all the health care staff at the Black Diamond Rising Sun Long Term Care Centre.

In living memory of Katie Sachko, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Forever In Our Hearts

Mom was a very social person that relished visits from family and friends. She was always excited to hear how everyone was doing, and was genuinely interested in what was occurring in their daily lives. The visits were always accompanied by fresh pot of coffee and a table full of food – second helpings were mandatory. Mom was a very gentle and kind hearted woman, and a visit with her usually left you in a great frame of mind. She did have her own opinions though, and if yours were not aligned, you needed to be prepared for a friendly debate.

Mom always had her family’s well-being as her top priority. She taught by example, and believed in the values of hard work, honesty and compassion. She was always busy making sure that everything was looked after – there was always fruit and vegetables to be canned and frozen, fish to be cleaned and Ukrainian delicacies to be prepared. The love, patience and care that she shared unconditionally with her six children expanded to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as her family continued to grow. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren adored her. Visits with her meant long farewells with hugs and kisses, as well as leaving with a special treat in hand, and some spending money snuck into their coat pocket. Mom enjoyed watching curling and hockey, as well as reading the local newspaper, medical digests, best seller books, romantic novels and news about the royal family.

She was a skilled seamstress and like Cinderella’s mice she could sew a stunning dress out of an old garment or from a few remnants of fabric.

Education was always important to Mom, and she always wanted to know how the grandkids and great-grandkids were doing in school, and beamed with pride to hear about a good report card. She also loved to hear about their latest exploits in extracurricular activities, and kept local newspaper clippings of articles and pictures about them.

The chickadees, robins, hummingbirds and deer loved her too, and blessed her with many visits. 

We were all very fortunate to have her in our lives and provide us with an abundance of wonderful memories to cherish. She was so grateful for family, friends and neighbors that took the time to travel and visit once her and William moved to Black Diamond.

Throughout her life, people of all ages were drawn to her. Katie was a faithful, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She will now join her parents, siblings and friends whom she loved and deeply grieved with each of their passing.