Her obituary from Nov. 25, 2008 Saskatoon Star Phoenix:

OLGA PROZNIK In loving memory of Olga Proznik (nee Chorney) of Wynyard, SK, who passed away November 23, 2008, at age 93, at St. Joseph’s Home in Saskatoon with her family at her side, giving her a loving send-off to eternal life. Olga was born October 6, 1915, at the Chorney homestead in the Holar District, eight miles south of Elfros, SK, the third child of Philip and Anna (nee Cymbalisty) Chorney. She shared in the responsibilities at the family farm with sisters Helen (John Prisiak), Mary (George Olynyk), Bertha (deceased in childhood), brother John (Lena Salley), and Nicholas (deceased in infancy). In 1922, she attended Royal Rock School, and in 1927 Lily White School. Although she longed to continue her education past Grade 8, her help was needed at the farm. These were the days of arduous farm work with horse-drawn implements, where many hands were needed. In 1939, a dashing young Joseph Proznik came courting. In the `Old Country’ Ukrainian tradition, a hopeful young man entrusted a spokesperson to speak to the lady’s parents on his behalf, and Joseph came with his uncle to state his intentions. The elder Chorneys were impressed by this show of respect, and they gave their blessing. On November 12, 1939, Olga married Joseph Proznik at St. John Bohoslov Church (Krasne Church). They celebrated their 48th Anniversary, prior to Joe’s passing in 1988. They shared an enviable bond of affection that is rarely seen. They settled in their first small farmhouse 5 miles south of Wynyard in 1940, moving to Joe’s parents’ nearby larger farmhouse in 1951. In 1976, they retired to Wynyard, but continued to farm from town with son Russell. Joseph and Olga were blessed with nine children: Russell born 1941 and deceased 2002, Evelyn 1942, Diane born and deceased in 1944, Christine 1945, Beatrice 1947, Eleanor 1948, Shirley 1954, Grace 1955 and Philip 1958. She has 16 grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Olga and Joe were `forward thinkers’ regarding education. Although they were unable to attend high school, they were determined that their children would attend university. From a modest farm income, they helped all eight children through university, attaining a total of 13 university degrees. Mom is the Honourary Doctorate recipient, accorded by her family. In retirement, Mom and Dad traveled to Florida, California and the Dakotas. They greatly enjoyed traveling Western Canada to see their children and grandchildren. After Dad’s passing, Mom, at age 75, she took her trip of a lifetime to Ukraine, accompanied by Shirley. She visited the villages of her parents and found a long-lost maternal family connection. She then tanned on the beaches of Hawaii later that year. Central to Mom’s life was her Ukrainian Catholic faith and her service work through the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s’ League in Wynyard. Mom enjoyed gardening, the family cottage at Fishing Lake, games of scrabble and her word puzzles. Olga was predeceased by husband, Joe in 1988; infant daughter, Diane in 1944; and son, Russell in 2002. Left to cherish her memory are her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren: Evelyn (Denis) Coolican and Crystal (David) Morrow, Shannon (Jennifer McMullen) with Daniel; Christine (David) Boyle and Chantelle Drobot (Jamie Matthews) with Dillon, Carter and Caleb, Jeoffrey Drobot (Lisa Ricketts) with Ainsley, Tara Drobot (Scott Nichol) with Brooklyn, and stepsons Phillip, Keith (Tianye Li), and Michael Boyle; Beatrice Soronow and Rebecca (Shane Lilge) with Jessica and Sasha, and David; Eleanor; Shirley (Garry) Wasyliw and Sanchea and Catrina; Grace (Len) Pidperyhora and Tamara, Katelyn, and Michael; Philip (Jennifer Dick) and Joey, Ryley, Danny and Amanda and stepchildren, Michael and Sarah. She is survived by her sister, Mary Olynyk, and her in-laws, Helen Kachur, Alex (Lena) Proznik, Jean McKenzie, and Annie Proznik, all of Wynyard. Prayers for Olga Proznik will be said Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008 at 7:00 pm, and Funeral Divine Liturgy on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008 at 10:30 am, celebrated at the Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church in Wynyard, SK. Interment to follow at Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery in Wynyard, SK. Deep gratitude for the loving care bestowed by St. Joseph’s Home to Mom and family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to St. Joseph’s Home, 33 Valens Drive, Saskatoon, Sask., S7L 3S2. Condolences to the family may be sent via www.parkfuneral.ca . Arrangements entrusted to Greg Lalach of PARK FUNERAL CHAPEL, (306) 244 2103. Vichnaya Pamiat! Memory Eternal!