Obituary of Mavis Anne Zinovich
Mavis Anne (Buchanan) Zinovich was born in Big River on February 26th, 1953. She passed away peacefully at her home in Saskatoon on December 10th, 2022. Mavis is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Ken; daughter Cheryl (Dave) Shule; son Leon Zinovich (Lydia Johnston) and his children; Jennifer, Jessica, Mikayla, and Kaden; daughter Amanda Zinovich (James Burrows); brother Clifford (Grace) Buchanan; sister Wilma Buchanan; brother Brian Buchanan; sisters-in-law Helen Vik and Vivian Zinovich; and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces. She was predeceased by her parents Myrtle and Calvin Buchanan; sister Sheila; brother Oliver; nephew Kelsey Buist Buchanan; brothers-in-law Bert Vik, Leonard Zinovich and Terry Buist; and parents-in-law Alexandra and Emil Zinovich.
Mavis was raised in Big River, Saskatchewan. She married Ken on August 22, 1980. They settled in Saskatoon and raised their children with an appreciation of their hometown. Weekends were often filled with family and fishing on Cowan Lake.
Mavis established her daycare business in 1981. She held a special role in the lives of many families. She was the "neighbourhood Mom” and as time went on, her own grandchildren came to daycare and she became known to all as “Grandma Mavis.” She enjoyed reminiscing about the children she had taken care of over the years, laughing at the many funny things they had said or done. They all held a special place in her heart.
Mavis formed many close relationships with the people from her hometown and from Saskatoon. She loved to keep in touch with her morning phone calls and reached out daily to friends and family just to say hello. If the phone rang, everyone knew to let Mavis answer because it was most likely for her!
In 1998, Ken and Mavis bought their little house by the lake in Big River. The home became a gathering place for summer holidays and special occasions. Mavis was often the one to plan family events, make meals and bake buns. She was a foundational member of her family and a devoted grandmother. She loved and cared for her family and friends with all her heart. Our family will forever be changed without her loving presence, sense of humour and contagious laughter.
Mavis handled her illness with dignity and grace. She showed tremendous courage and strength. We are so proud of her. She wasn’t one to feel sorry for herself. She would just say, “It is what it is and everything will be okay.” She was grateful for the love and support from family and friends that surrounded her throughout her battle with ovarian cancer.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Saskatoon Cancer Center, Nurse Caroline, Dr. Spelay, Dr. K. Shukla and Dr. S. Shukla for the care they provided.
A celebration of life will take place in Big River on July 2nd, 2023. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Family and friends wishing to send online condolences may visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau "Lac" Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lynn Anderson Funeral Director, Shellbrook SK. 306-747-2828..
