- The Carillon Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday

JOAN MARIA SIKORSKY
Born: Jun 09, 1935
Date of Passing: Dec 30, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOAN MARIA SIKORSKY
Our beloved mother Joan, Emilian’s wife of 63 years, has left us for her new life. On December 30, after a sudden stroke, she passed away in our presence.
Throughout her life, her deeds spoke most loudly of her generous, loving, and always forgiving heart. In the few notes she left, she insisted on a brief obituary. She had crossed out the part she had written about her career in the civil service, of which her work in the Department of Citizenship and Immigration was a highlight. Her edited notes were most likely attributable to her characteristic modesty.
Joan was born on June 9, 1935, to immigrants Anna (Lytwyn) and Hryhorij Melnychuk, whose hard work helped establish St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, which became a keystone of her life and remained the heart of her much-loved community. She worked and laughed with the women of the UCWLC for over 60 years, holding a succession of executive posts and working countless volunteer hours. She also loved working with the Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate and the Holy Family Home Auxiliary; in fact, she completed a volunteer job last week, contributing what she could as long as she could.
Her four children, Andrew, Christina (Thomas), Donna (Jason), Christopher (Gabriel), and her grandchildren, Anton, Alyna, Peter, Thomas, James, and Julian, can all draw on her strength, her profound faith, and boundless love in the days to come. We are so grateful that she lived in a community of so many kind friends. She was at peace as she left this world.
She drew constant strength and comfort in knowing and honouring the life of Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky, an exemplary life of faith and devotion. She asked that any donations in her memory be made to the Blessed Vasyl Martyr’s Shrine at St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church or to the Lubov Foundation.
Divine Liturgy and Panakhyda will be celebrated on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 250 Jefferson Avenue. A private interment will follow.
Vichna ii pamiat’ -
May her memory be eternal.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 03, 2025
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
-
My dear Christopher, Donna, Christine and Al, I am so saddened by the passing of your lovely mother which I learned of while being out of the country. She and I knew each other less as close friends, but more as two women in the Ukrainian community volunteering at, or attending community events. St. Josephs church was a place we'd see each other from time to time. But I knew her best through my relationships with you, her children. She was immensely proud of you, as am I. Smiling broadly, she always delighted in filling me in on your achievements and adventures. Together we would reinforce our mutual pride and joy in you, and at how you were living out the richness of your Ukrainian heritage. We were not close but I got to know what a dedicated member of the Ukrainian Winnipeg community she was, and how much she cherished all of you. What a wonderful woman we all have lost. She will be greatly missed. Sincerely, Stella - Posted by: Dr. Stella Hryniuk (friend of the family, colleague of christopher, christina, donna, Al) on: Jan 11, 2025
-
We were deeply saddened to hear of Joan’s passing. We first met her and her husband when my dad arrived at Holy Family Nursing Home, and from the very beginning, they were so welcoming and friendly. I’ll always remember our chats as we walked through the beautiful gardens—moments that truly brightened our days. Mrs. Sikorsky was such an uplifting, charming, and kind person, embodying the very best of good old-fashioned values. She had a warmth that made everyone feel at ease and a kindness that left a lasting impression. As Wisława Szymborska once wrote, “Nothing can ever happen twice. In consequence, the sorry fact is that we arrive here improvised and leave without the chance to practice.” May she rest in peace. - Posted by: Koczanski/Pechuch/Lezynski (Friends of family) on: Jan 06, 2025
-
My husband Andrew (he just turned 90) worked with Emil (as he knew him) at CN in Winnipeg in the Equipment Room probably in the late 60s or early 70s. He remembers the many stories from the Ukraine, such as the time the young boys were taken to Germany and the torture they went through. He then left his homeland ..... We are wondering if he is still alive.... our heartfelt condolences to your family on the loss of your Mom. May you take comfort she is now in God's memory! -Andy Skrypnyk - Posted by: Andrew Skrypnyk (friend/workmate of her husband) on: Jan 04, 2025
-
Emil, Andrew, Christina, Donna and Christopher, I am truly in shock this afternoon as I look at the WFP obituaries for the past week. My deepest condolences to all of you and your families on the loss of your wife, mother and grandmother. I would see her at St Nicks from time to time, over the past few years and there would always be a short chat or a simple hello. In early December, I had stepped into Holy Family for a quick visit with a family friend that had just moved there. To my surprise, I saw your mom in the hallway close to the hair dressing shop on her way back to her residence. We had a nice 20 to 30 minute chat. Other than having a walker due to the arthritis problems she mentioned, she appeared to be doing very well. I had mentioned that I had not seen her at St Nicks for quite some time and she told me she had moved from her house to Holy Family and was also now a parishioner at St Joseph’s. Among other things, we spoke about the Ukraine as well as our respective families and how everyone was doing. I had mentioned possibly visiting her in the new year, the next time I’d be at Holy Family. Unfortunately, that will not happen now, however, I am glad that I unexpectedly saw her that day. I hope you find strength through all the good memories that you have of her. God Bless! Bічную Пам'ять. -Brian - Posted by: Brian Kushka (Family Friend) on: Jan 04, 2025
-
We grieve with the family. Joan was a person that could only be looked up to! Mat she rest in Peace! Vichnaya Pamiat! - Posted by: Ostap and Tetyana Hawaleshka (friends) on: Jan 03, 2025
-
I just visited with Joan before Christmas she came into the salon to have her hair done. I always enjoyed our visits together, where she would share stories of her precious children. Her new life at Holy Family where she was active and close to her dear husband. Joan possessed a humble and beautiful soul, very likeable, friendly and kind. I will truly miss her visits. My deepest condolences to her husband, children, and grandchildren. I was privileged in knowing Joan. Tiziana & all from Hair2Envy - Posted by: Tiziana (Hairdresser) on: Jan 03, 2025
-
Our hearts are filled with sorrow for your loss but full of joy for the love that Joan shared with you and with all of us. Mother and I are grateful for Joan and her family's kindness and friendship for 40 years. Our late father, Gerald, enjoyed Emilian and Joan's company, and we were grateful for their friendship toward him in his last years at Holy Family Home. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated in Rome on 1 January for Joan's eternal repose and for the comfort of her grieving family. Зі святими упокій, Христе, душу слугині Твоєї й сотвори її вічную пам'ять. - Posted by: Irene and Rev. Athanasius McVay (family friends) on: Jan 03, 2025
-
My heart is saddened by this wonderful woman's passing. I had just seen her the day before her death. There was no indication of what would come. She was her happy self. My VERY sincere sympathetic thoughts go out to her family. - Posted by: Debra Winterburn (Friend (volunteer at Holy Family Home)) on: Jan 03, 2025
-
Pani Sikorski, what a beautiful, intelligent, gracious lady. She new me as Mariyka or Stefania P. daughter through UCCWL. The last couple of years we met and visited almost daily at Holy Family Home. Pani Joan would participate in many activities along with Pan Sikorski. We enjoyed sitting on the grounds ( summer time) by the river and talked and sang together to cheer some of the residents. I so enjoyed her kindness and grace. Our Deepest Sympathy to her lovely family Вічная Пам'ять, Rest in peace my friend. - Posted by: Mary Marcinkow (Friend) on: Jan 03, 2025
-
Sikorsky Family we are so very saddened by the news of your mom's passing. Leo and I have such wonderful memories of growing up with you all and especially your mom's delicious baking! I recall how your mom loved hearing me call her "Chacha" whenever we spoke and I will cherish that memory!! Your mom was such a dear friend to our mom Stephie through thick and thin!! "Chacha" give mom and dad a big hug from us as you now bake and chit chat in heaven together!! Thank you for the memories! To all her family stay strong and God Bless you through this very difficult time! Love Natalie (Dennis), Leo (Tammy) and family! - Posted by: Natalie Luch Meyer (Family friend ) on: Jan 03, 2025
-
I first met Joan in my first year of teaching when she was the librarian at H. C. Avery School and I taught grade one. Her kind and helpful personality helped me through the challenges of beginning a new career and I have always valued her support, practical attitude and compassion to others. We stayed in loose touch over the years and I was always happy to see her and catch up on news. I would like to extend condolences to all of Joan's family. Joan will always remain in my memories as a positive influence in my life. Вічна її память! - Posted by: Diana Borys (friend) on: Jan 03, 2025
-
Still waters run deep. I was a childhood friend of Joan's children Andrew and Christina, readily made to feel welcome by Mrs. Sikorsky who always seemed to be busy in the kitchen, churning out an endless supply of freshly-baked cookies and cakes! I did not know anything about her "grown up" life, the civil service career or many years of volunteer service. What a beautiful difference your mother's life made, Andrew and Christina, leaving you with such wonderful memories and quietly touching other people's hearts! Vichnaya Pamyat. - Posted by: Darlene Karalash (Childhood Friend of Joan's Children) on: Jan 03, 2025
-
Christina, Thomas and family, So sorry to read of your Mother's passing in the paper today. She will be missed by all in the family. Hope all is well with you and the family. - Posted by: Gordon Savage (Friend) on: Jan 03, 2025