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From: Eileen Horan <>
Subject: [METISGEN] obituary of Alexandra [nee Shinkaruk] Zinovich
Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2007 11:25:04 -0700


Hi there,
still going through my obituary file-box [only have about 200 or so left, to go through - I should be done, hopefully by the New Year].... thought someone would be interested in this obituary, especially those who lived at or knew families from Dore Lake district in Saskatchewan
Take care,
Eileen
=====================
OBITUARY OF ALEXANDRA [nee Shinkaruk] ZINOVICH, extracted by Eileen Horan from the Wednesday, July 24th 2002, edition of the Prince Albert Daily Herald:
ALEXANDRA ZINOVICH:
Mom died on July 18th 2002.
Her Funeral was on Sunday, July 21st 2002, at the Elks Hall in Big River SK. Officiant was Mr. Stuart White of the Big River congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. Eulogies were read by Ellen Fonos [Lakewood Lodge] and Stuart White [family memories]. Pallbearers were her grandchildren: Cheryl and Leon and Amanda Zinovich of Saskatoon SK., and Brock and Robert and Aimee Zinovich of Big River SK.
Survivors include:
Her children: Helen Vik of Calgary AB.; Leonard [Vivian Fontaine] Zinovich of Big River SK.; and Kenneth [Mavis Buchanan] Zinovich of Saskatoon SK.; her grandchildren as mentioned above; and her twin great grand daughters, Jennifer and Jessica.
Her siblings: Mary Lebedowich of Wakaw SK.; Dorothy Hessing of Saskatoon SK.; Peter [Chris] Sinclaire of Vermilion SK.; Lena Kaloff of Maple Ridge B.C.; Olga Friesen of Stony Plain AB.; Muriel [Al] Barrowclough of Spruce Home SK.; and John [Rolande] Shinkaruk of Edmonton AB.
Her Sister in-law, Mary Shinkaruk Vancouver B.C.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and precious friends.

She was predeceased by:
Her loving husband, Emil Zinovich, in 1975.
Her parents, Mike and Hafia Shinkaruk.
Her son in-law, Bert Vik, in 1996.
Her brothers: Bill and Harry Shinkaruk.
Her Sisters, Anne Doucette and Nettie Demkiw.
Her brothers in-law; Sam Lebedowich, Bill Hessing, Abe Friesen, Edward Doucette, and Mike Demkiw.

Mom was born on March 25th 1920 at Carpenter, Saskatchewan, near Wakaw.
She was one of twelve children. She attended Minatinas, which was a one-room country school.
Her parents moved to a homestead in the Bodmin district, otherwise known as The Block or Sleepy Hollow. Rusty Beebe now lives on this property.
In 1940, Harry Husak was looking for a companion for his wife {Mary} who had the huge job of cooking meals at their 'stopping-place' at the south end of Dore Lake. Mom took the position; and, soon met Emil Zinovich. They were married November 07th 1941 - just when Emil needed a cook at his fishing camp, at Anderson Hill, on Dore Lake.
They made their home in Big River, which house Emil built before they met - thus, avoiding any female input into the design. The next winter, Alexandra cooked for the men at the fish-camp again and built fish boxes and trapped weasels in 'her spare time'.
Helen was born during the summer of 1943 - November 1943, found Mom and Helen at the fish camp again. Soon after their arrival, Helen contracted pneumonia. George Greening airlifted them to Big River. In October of 1944, Leonard was born. This brought Mom's cooking career, in Dore Lake, to an end. Kenneth was born in May of 1950.
Although Mom was born with Muscular Dystrophy it was only in later years, in retrospect, she was made to realize that symptoms were present in her thirties. She was diagnosed when she was 60. She continued to be a very hard and energetic worker, in spite of difficulties with mobility - expecting no less from anyone else, than she did of herself. Her devotion to her ministry was not diminished by this handicap which took her from using a cane, to a walker. She looked forward to the annual assemblies and to hosting the circuit overseers. When she was widowed her congregation supported her, as family.
She kept up her yard, gardening, sno shovelling, an more to the best of her physical ability for as long as she was able. It is evident today that, Kenny appreciates and learned a lot for her example as an excellent gardener.
In November 1996, she became a resident of Lakewood Lodge. After a couple of years of being picked up to attend meetings, at the Kingdom Hall, she had to resort to listening to them on a speakerphone. She took comfort in the fact that, she was able to host friends and family at her home in her absence - and, was able to visit her home on several occasions. She could see a bit of her house from her room, at the Lodge.
Mom loved to travel in the days, when she was able. She cooked many dishes which were family favorites: perogies, beef rolls, chicken soup with homemade noodles, borscht, and pickled fish. She loved driving and keeping her vehicle sparkling clean. She enjoyed playing Rummy - especially when she was winning; and watching the News, as well as certain game shows on TV. Mom would pick wild mushrooms by the sackful. She loved Chinese food. We know of no other Mom, who made chop suey when we were kids. She spent hours creating her scrapbooks and photo albums, over which she pored in the years to come. She had an extensive souvenir spoon collection. We were taught, by example. She ate a healthy diet including herbal preparations and juicing of carrots.
She was honest and upfront - firm, but fair - generous, independent, and consistent. She encouraged us, as kids, from playing games involving "shooting" which included "pointing a finger" for a gun. Her reasoning ??... "pretending to kill someone is not a game".
When anyone of us would call from wherever, she always thanked us and said, "It's nice to hear your voice".
Mom and Grandma... we are missing you, already.
If friends so desire, memorial donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada would be appreciated - or to a charity of one's choice.
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