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SOPHIE JULIA GALKA
Born: Nov 14, 1926
Date of Passing: Dec 29, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemorySOPHIE JULIA GALKA
Sophie Julia Galka went to her Eternal Rest on Friday, December 29, 2023 at the age of 97 at the Beausejour Hospital, having been admitted there two days earlier. Sophie was born on November 14, 1926 at home on a farm in Walkleyburg MB, the seventh of nine children.
Sophie was predeceased by her parents, Joseph (1949) and Rozalia (nee Mroczek) (1984); siblings, John (1979), Stanley (1992), Charlie (2015), Amelia Schieberl (1988), Mary Lotecki (2013), Mary’s twin Walter (died in infancy), and Walter (2014); and nephews, David Galka and Theodore Lotecki. She is survived by her brother Edward, and nieces and nephews, Ken, Marilyn, Linda, Bonnie, Irene, Carol, Louise, Joseph, Tom, Rosemarie, Theresa, Edward, Victoria, Jackie, Robert, Brian, Mark as well as spouses, great-nieces and nephews. With the help of Sophie, Joanna Jakubiszyn came from Poland to be part of the family.
Sophie was baptized at St. Michael’s Church in Cook’s Creek, MB in February 1927. Her health was precarious so her parents bundled her up and took her by horse and sled to have her baptized. Her health improved, and so started a life built on faith for Sophie.
Sophie grew up on the family farm in Walkleyburg, attending Bright Star School until grade 8. She then had to take the bus to Happy Thought School in Selkirk for high school. She would first walk two and a half miles to catch the bus. For the final year of high school she moved to Winnipeg. She stayed with her sister Amelia and family while attending St. John’s High School. Sophie then continued her studies at Central Normal School, a teacher training institution in Winnipeg. One of her former classmates was Msgr. Stan Jaworski, Winnipeg, the last surviving classmate also at 97 years.
While most females at that time had to choose between marriage and children or a career, Sophie chose to pursue a career in teaching. She pursued university courses in the University of Manitoba, living with her younger brother Edward and his family in Winnipeg. She earned both a BA degree and an MA degree in English. Sophie’s Thesis for her Masters in 1971 at the U of M was "A Study of the Reactions of the 9th Grade Students to the Humorous Situations in Literature". Devoted to teaching, Sophie declined the opportunity to become a principal.
Sophie began her teaching career at Brokenhead School #472 (1945 to 46) followed by Mayfield School #1473 (1947 to 1950) in Manitoba. Eventually, she was able to get a teaching position at Bright Star School #2024 (1950 to 1966) in Walkleyburg, a one room school house teaching Grades 1 to 8. She loved teaching and her students were good learners and they did well. The family farm house was across the road and down a long driveway where she continued to live with her mother, as her father had died in 1949. She taught there for 16 years.
Sophie’s brother Stan and wife, Mary, and their two children, Marilyn and Ken, lived at the farm for a few years. Marilyn really wanted to go to school with Aunt Sophie so when she was about 6 years she started school at Bright Star. Marilyn had a bit of an adjustment calling her "Miss Galka" and not jumping up on her knee when she felt like it! Marilyn remembers that "Miss Galka" made hot soup for the children at lunch time during the winter. She also remembers "Miss Galka" bringing out the Sears catalogue before Christmas and letting the children pick out a gift that she would buy for each of them as a Christmas present!
Times were changing in education for the rural areas. Country schools were being closed and students bussed to larger centres. With her university studies in hand, Sophie moved on to teach at the Beausejour Collegiate Institute in 1966, teaching English language and literature. This entailed a family move of her mother and herself to a house in Garson which sister Mary and husband Paul had recently moved to their property. This was ideal as they lived next door. And as Sophie did not drive, she managed to become part of a car pool of teachers who would stop in Garson to pick her up. She retired from Ecole Edward Schreyer School in 1991. While continuing to teach, Sophie cared for her mother who died at home at age 98. Sophie continued living in Garson until her death.
Sophie enjoyed travelling, having visited family in Canada, US and Belgium. She made an around the world tour and remembered most fondly the visits to Thailand and India. After reading about the alleged apparitions of Our Blessed Mother in Medjugorje, Sophie decided to make a pilgrimage there. She returned there several times, taking people with her on several occasions to share the experience with them.
Sophie was also a generous donor to charitable organizations that helped feed and care for the poor. She fostered a number of children and even grandmothers in several countries. Their photos and updates from them would be posted on her fridge. Sophie sponsored Simon Agboso to attend the Seminary in Ghana. He eventually ministered in London, ON, New York, Boston, three parishes in NL before coming to Northern BC. Fr. Simon retired from BC in 2012. He visited Sophie and her mother on several occasions and they continued to correspond for years.
Christ was the centre of Sophie’s life. She led the Rosary before Mass for years and attended daily Mass until near the end of her life. The last few months were the most difficult and she needed some help to get there. We give thanks to those who made this possible by driving her to church. The last Mass she attended at Sacred Heart was on December 3, 2023.
The last months of Sophie’s life were difficult but she carried her cross and maintained her peace, humour, and significantly her intelligence throughout. Thank you to all who helped her during this time when she needed us.
Prayers were held at Cropo Funeral Chapel (1442 Main St.) Friday, January 5, 2024 at 7:00 p.m., led by Msgr. Comeault. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Garson (19 Pine Ave.) with Fr. Sylvanus Omali officiating. Rosary at 9:25 a.m., eulogy at 9:45 a.m., Mass at 10:00 a.m. followed by a reception at Garson Community Centre. Internment will take place at Brookside Cemetery in Walkleyburg following the reception.
Publish Date: Jan 6, 2024
SOPHIE JULIA GALKA
Peacefully Sophie passed away at Beausejour Hospital on Friday, December 29, 2023 at 7:30 a.m.
Prayers will be said on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Mass of Christian Burial to take place on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church in Garson, Manitoba. Interment to follow at Brookside Cemetery in Walkleyburg, Manitoba.
Longer obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Jan 3, 2024
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 03, 2024, Jan 03, 2024, Jan 06, 2024
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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Miss Galka was my teacher at Bright Star School from kindergarten to Grade 5. She was the sweetest lady. Everyday she would walk home for lunch (about 1/4 mile from the school) and then most of us would walk to her driveway at 12:45 to walk her back to school for the afternoon. I don't ever remember her without a smile on her face, even if some the of the older boys got little too wild. She was a Gem. - Posted by: Debbie Kashuba (student) on: Dec 29, 2024
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Rest in peace Miss Galka. She taught me at the Bright Star school, kindergarten to grade 2 (1964 to 1967). I remember her and the school fondly. She was a very special teacher. Sincerest sympathy to her family and friends. - Posted by: Janice Thorarinson (Student ) on: Jan 10, 2024
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She was the sweetest lady. She taught me Sunday school in Garson. Every now and then I would see her in town and she’d always have a hug and a sweet word - Posted by: Hannah (Former Student ) on: Jan 08, 2024
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I was fortunate to have her as a teacher at ESS in the late 60's. A unique lady. - Posted by: Debbie Okolita (Former student) on: Jan 06, 2024
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A great teacher, mentor and lovely person. I am so very grateful to have known this very special lady. In 1973 I was totally undecided in what I would do with my future Sophia had such a big impact on me during those early adolescent years. Her constant encouragement and heartfelt discussions ensured that I would go to college and make something of myself. I worked in various radio stations in television public relations and settled on a career with the Federal Government all in part of a true teacher. I owe so much to this kind and gentle soul and all that I have I am extremely grateful. I reached out to Sophia last summer and had a wonderful conversation and was amazed that she remembered me and recalled those early years in Beausejour. I have only admiration and fond memories of a very talented and caring teacher. To all her family and friends our deepest sympathies. Rest in Peace my old friend! - Posted by: Barry Holigroski (Former Student) on: Jan 06, 2024
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Rest in Peace and Love Miss Galka. You were my favourite teacher. You always kept the bad boys in line! You even kicked me out of English class once for giggling too much (it was Cindy's fault). I always had a love of reading, but you seemed to inspire it even more, introducing us students to Greek Mythology; and always telling spooky stories at Halloween. I thank you for being a part of my education in little old Beausejour. I'm sure you'd be glad to know that I have to always be reading a book, and have several in the wings at all times. Thank You. - Posted by: Marlene Szarka (nee Biedler) (Student) on: Jan 06, 2024
