Obituary of Vicky Soukoreff

June 9, 1935 - Prelate, Saskatchewan

December 21, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Victoria Ida Soukoreff (nee Besplug) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at the age of 87 years.

She was born June 9, 1935, in Prelate, SK. She is predeceased by her husband of 45 years, William Vasylivich Soukoreff (1934-2005), her sisters, Evelyn and Shirley; and her brothers, Gerry, Charley, Roy, and Tony. She is survived by her four children, Russell (Andrea) and their sons, Colton Hall and Matthew of Edmonton; Shelley (Roger), and their sons, Logan and Forrest of Creston; Shauna and her sons, Liam, Seamus, Quinn, and Nick of Calgary; and Bill (Eva) of Victoria; her sister Angie (Eddie), and her brothers, Jimmy, Stanley, and Ralph.

She was born to Mike and Theresa (nee Rissling) Besplug and grew up in Leader, SK on a large farm with eleven brothers and sisters. She entered the convent as a novice nun, but after two years left and begun her nursing career. She said it was the “next closest thing” she could think of to help people. After she married William she became an artist, attending the Banff School of Art where she excelled in sculpture and painting. William encouraged her talent and Vicky went on to have showings in prestigious galleries in Calgary. Vicky soon became a dedicated, baptized, and zealous Jehovah’s Witness in 1966, remaining faithful until her death. The family settled in Canyon Meadows, Calgary, but in June 1973 they suddenly moved to Ireland and Vicky left behind her family, and ‘life as she knew it’ to embark on her husband’s enterprise. During the eight years in Ireland, many that were challenging and full of hardship, Vicky made lifelong friends with the locals, sharing her creative recipes, arts & crafts and always her faith. She is fondly remembered in Ballinasloe and in Galway Bay by many of her close ‘spiritual brothers and sisters’. She had sincere empathy for the poor and downtrodden, spending countless hours volunteering in the community, bettering peoples lives in anyway she could. She is fondly remembered for her ability to make a meal out of nothing and drawing on any piece of paper that was blank (from napkins to discarded envelopes). Her profound and lifelong love of the bible is what she will be best remembered for - no one came into contact with her without hearing about her love for the Holy Scriptures and her Creator. In her later years, although bravely battling cancer, she still enjoyed life, remaining spontaneous, humorous, and ever unpredictable. We look forward to seeing you soon, healthy in Paradise on earth, our dear Vicky, ‘Victoria’… Mom.

At Victoria’s request, there will be no memorial service. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Victoria Soukoreff, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.