Obituary of Ann Zak

Katherine “Ann” Zak was born March 18, 1944, Morden, MB and passed away September 30, 2023, Spiritwood, SK at 79 years of age.

Ann Zak passed on peacefully into the presence of her Lord September 30, 2023, at Spiritwood and District Health Complex.

She is survived by her loving husband Gerry, her sisters Helen (Gordon) Peters of Lac du Bonnet, Man., and their children Lynn (Howard), and Paul; Linda (Michael) McGregor, and their sons Colin (Jacinth), and Nolan; Lois (Bill) Hunter of Powell River, B.C., and their daughter Amanda (Graham) also numerous other relatives and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents Mike and Nettie Shaventoski.

Ann (nee Shaventoski), was born on March 18, 1944, at Morden, Man. She grew up at nearby Darlingford. In 1966 she graduated from the three-year theology course at Central Pentecostal College in Saskatoon. In 1967 she graduated with a CNA certificate from St. Boniface School of Nursing in Winnipeg.

She worked as a CNA nurse in North Battleford, Hay River, Winnipeg, and Red Lake, Ont. In 1979 she married Gerry Zak and lived at Shell Lake till they moved to nearby Spiritwood, where they have lived till the time of her passing. At Spiritwood she worked as a Care Aide, then a while with Home Care, then later as an LPN nurse till 2014.

Many have told how they appreciated her thoughtfulness, and her caring attitude towards her patients.

For a number of years, she made time to teach piano lessons.

Especially after retirement Ann found ways to serve others- like sewing blankets for the needy, that were distributed through several agencies, making “Quiet Books” to occupy young children during church services, supporting children through World Vision, and especially assembling dozens of Samaritans Purse shoe boxes each Christmas for children in 3rd world countries.

Along with all that she did and accomplished, Ann still made time to socialize with family and friends and had a variety of recreational activities- like growing flowers, biking trips, relaxing with puzzles, and usually a winter holiday.

Having accepted Christ as her Lord and Saviour in her youth, her Christian life and service was the most important part of her life. Always faithful in church attendance, she was active in playing the piano, teaching in Sunday School, participating in ladies’ groups, and went on two mission trips- to Brazil and Thailand.

Ann was eager to personally share her faith, wanting others to come to know her Saviour and to the very end looked forward to spending eternity with Him.

In this world she left behind, she was greatly loved and will be dearly missed.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 1:00 pm at the Lakeland Community Church, Spiritwood, SK with Pastor Michael Kluthe officiating.  The eulogy was given by Ann’s sister Linda McGregor, honorary pallbearers were “All those who shared in Ann’s life”.  Pallbearers were Dale Bowman, Jonathan Baynes, Jonathan Mundell, Tim Bristow, Dustin Huffman and Terry Semenoff. 

Ann’s final resting place is in the Spiritwood Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be directed to World Vision Canda in memory of Ann Zak as tokens of remembrance.

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 and Crematorium, R. Mark Muir Funeral Director, Spiritwood, SK (306) 883-3500.