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ANNA PEARL SIRYJ
Date of Passing: Oct 06, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryANNA PEARL SIRYJ
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Anna Pearl Siryj, at the age of 106. Anna passed away very peacefully at home on October 6th, surrounded by the love of her family.
She was predeceased by her husband Michael; her parents, Michael and Parascovia Hawrysh; her sister Mary (Stanley) Ciseck; in-laws, Peter and Katherine Siryj; and John Siryj of Flin Flon. She leaves to mourn and cherish her memory, her daughters, Vicky and Darcia.
Anna was born on July 17, 1918, in southern Saskatchewan. Her parents, who came from Ukraine at the beginning of the 1900s, were among the first Ukrainian pioneers in western Canada. She developed a lifelong appreciation for her parents’ Ukrainian culture, their hard work and religious faith.
Anna was a good student who began studies at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon at the age of 15. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and later received her Bachelor of Education degree. Her earlies professional positions were as a high school teacher and principal in several schools in Saskatchewan.
Anna moved to Winnipeg in the 1940s, where she taught at Success Business College and served as Treasurer of the National Executive of the Ukrainian Women’s Association.
It was also in Winnipeg that Anna met her future husband Michael Siryj who had served with the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War. They married in 1947 and moved north of Flin Flon, where they raised their two daughters.
Anna was always active in community organizations, in particular Home and School and IODE.
In 1963, she joined the staff of Hapnot Collegiate in Flin Flon and served as Head of the French Department for 20 years.
In her usual capable and loving way, Anna contributed to her growing family, too. She sewed costumes for her daughters’ ballet concerts, made perogies, watered the houseplants, attended figure skating carnivals, stirred borsch, and left us with treasured family memories of every holiday season.
In 1991, after 40 years in Flin Flon, Anna and Michael retired from teaching. They moved south where they enjoyed life on Armstrong’s Point among Winnipeg’s famous elms and were pleased to renew friendships from the past at church.
Unfortunately, life brought its hardships, as well. Michael passed away in 1995 and after the age of 85, Anna had to cope with seriously failing eyesight. It was at this time that her daughters came to her assistance. Vicky lived with her and looked after her for many years while Darcia kept in daily phone contact from Calgary.
We celebrated her 100th birthday at the historic Ralph Connor House. After that, life must have been somewhat exhausting for Anna, as her favorite saying became, “I’m not going anywhere. I just lie down and sleep!”
We have been blessed that our beloved Mother reached the age of 106 in relatively good health. She will continue to inspire us though she will be greatly missed. She will remain in our hearts forever.
The family wished to thank the excellent caregivers of the WRHA for their professionalism and kindness in caring for Anna. They are 24K gold.
The visitation for Anna will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 17th at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main Street, followed at 2:00 p.m. by the bilingual (Ukrainian / English) Funeral Service. Those attending are invited to stay for a light lunch following the service.
Flowers are gratefully declined. If you wish, please make a charitable contribution in Anna’s name to Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, St. Andrew’s College in Winnipeg or to a charity of your choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 12, 2024, Oct 12, 2024
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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We were saddened to hear, just now, of Anna's passing. She was a lovely woman and we enjoyed our lively conversations when we met at the local grocery store. She once told us that when she was an infant she was gravely ill and her mother was told to expect the worst. Mother went to bed exhausted and grieving but was awakened by an angry cry from a very hungry baby. How fortunate for all who have known her that she did. We hope that the memory of this remarkable woman is a comfort to you, Vicky and Darcia. With sympathy, Nydia and Tom Peterson (from Flin Flon and Winnipeg) - Posted by: Nydia and Tom Peterson (Friends) on: Jan 07, 2025
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My condolences to Vicky and Darcia. - Posted by: Roy Eldridge (Former colleague) on: Oct 26, 2024
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I am sorry to hear that your mother has passed, but she left cherished memories to all who were fortunate to meet her. I have the small booklet she wrote for St. George’s Church in Flin Flon. I was fortunate to know the family in Flin Flon. It was the nicest surprise when I meant her when met her at her home. I would stop to visit a bit when I stopped at the library just up the road. At least she has joined your father. - Posted by: Sandra Graves (Friend ) on: Oct 15, 2024
