Obituary of Rosie Batiuk

Rose Batiuk

February 18, 1918 - March 16, 2022

“Life is what you celebrate… all of it. Even its end”

Rose Batiuk, at the age of 104 years old, earned her eternal rest and Guardian Angel status on March 16, 2022, in Hafford, SK.

Rose was born in Great Deer, SK, to Steven and Mary Zerebeski. She became a sister many times, in a family of 9 children. Rose attended school at Clear Springs in Great Deer and as she grew up, she then assisted her family on their farm. Eventually she crossed paths with the man who would become her husband, Alex Batiuk. Married just shy of her 21st birthday, their wedding took place on January 29, 1939. They began a marriage which spanned 56 years and produced a legacy of love through the family they created. Though they initially remained in the Great Deer area farming together, they decided to relocate in 1944 to Prince Albert.

In the years that followed they welcomed 4 children and grew their love through them. Rose always had a strong work ethic, and as her children grew she took on employment outside the home, including support services in both the Holy Family and Victoria Union Hospital, Prince Albert Dry Cleaners and Ethier Yard Goods.  After she retired, Rose remained active in the community. She really enjoyed volunteering with Westside Crime Prevention, and felt good about her role in maintaining community safety.

Rose was incredibly talented, and those talents shined brightly through her sewing, crocheting, embroidery, gardening, and through her annual tradition of hours spent creating beautiful Ukrainian Easter eggs. She especially enjoyed passing on this tradition to her children and grandchildren. Additionally, she loved a good card game, and was a relentless opponent to many over the years.

Rose’s love showed best through her hospitality and over the years she and Alex boarded numerous people in their home. She welcomed and fed every one of them happily, and grew her family even more in this way. Holiday and family events, including Ukrainian Christmas, allowed Rose to fill her home with laughter, music, card games and tables full of her savoured perogies and cabbage rolls. The only thing that rivaled her love for family was the love she had for the Toronto Blue Jays, and she followed them loyally right up until the end.

Rose’s light will continue to shine in the hearts of her children, John Batiuk, Ann (Roger) Mayert, Ernie (Jean) Batiuk, and Marie (Gordon) Tkachuk;  her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Barclay Batiuk (Andrea Switenky), and their children Ethan and Sydney; Darcy Mayert; Tayne (Joe) Duncan; Tricia (Bruce) Upper and their children Bailey and Tyson; and Tennille (Colin) Cooper and their children Miles and Owen. Rose is also survived and cherished by her sister, Sally Harach; her sister-in-law, Emily Zerebeski and many nieces and nephews.

Rose was predeceased by her husband Alex; her parents, Mary and Steve Zerebeski; her brothers, Joe, Roman, Tony, Peter, Orest, Dominic and Victor; her sister Stephania in infancy; sisters-in law, Lil, Anne, Olga, and Marge; brother-in-law, Bud; and her daughter-in-law, Betty.

Public Visitation will be held at 5:00 p.m., on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, 300B – 300 Marquis Road West, Prince Albert.  Funeral Divine Liturgy will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church, 770 14th Street West, Prince Albert, with Father Andrei Kachur officiating.  The service will be livestreamed using the link https://jonlao.xyz/rose-batiuk/

In lieu of other tributes, please hug those you love the most, as time is precious and so are the moments we experience together. If so desired, donations in memory of Rose may be directed to the Hafford Special Care Centre, Box 130, Hafford, S0J 1A0, or to the Ukrainian Catholic Parish of St. George, 751 14^th Street West, Prince Albert, SK, S6V 3L9.  Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau "Lac" Funeral Home, Marianne Turcotte, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.