Anita Burkell
1927-05-24 2012-07-02
BURKELL, Anita G. (Sis) 1927 - 2012
It is with truly heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Anita (Sis), wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend on July 2nd, 2012.
Anita was born into a happy family in Vanscoy, SK on May 24, 1927. Unfortunately, she lost her dad and older sister within a six week period to the flu epidemic of 1929. With her mother and brothers and the support of family and friends the family moved to Saskatoon in 1931. Sis' Catholic faith life began with her baptism, was nurtured by her mother, and continued most recently when she received the Anointing of the Sick. She and Steve were founding members of St. Philip Neri Parish where she attended for over fifty years. Her faith comforted and sustained her throughout her life. She graduated from St. Mary's School, attended Bedford Road Collegiate, and completed her business program at Tech Collegiate. Her first job, a much sought after government position, paid 65 dollars per week. She joined the civil service bowling league…there meeting her Steve. They married August 19, 1952 and welcomed four children into their family. She became a dedicated homemaker and loving mother.
She belonged to St. Philip Neri CWL, Happy Wanderers Square Dancing Club, Cairns Avenue Bridge Club, and Hunter's Ladies Bowling Club. At the age of 40 Anita was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes - it changed her life. She became a dedicated walker and exerciser, a routine she continued until the day she entered the hospital. Anita was a total people person. She loved to reminisce about old times with her many friends and family. Upon meeting a new person she could always trace back a common link, shared relative or friend therefore making a new connection and a new friend. She loved to travel whether it was an extended trip to Europe or Hawaii, weeks in the Queen Charlotte Islands, a weekend in Waskesiu, or a day trip around Saskatoon.
She attended as many of her grandchildren's events as possible. Whether it be swim meets, baseball games, wrestling matches, or school musicals - she was their biggest supporter. Anita loved games. It could be a game of aces-to-kings with her grandchildren, bridge at Riverside Terrace, rummoli at Waskesiu, bingo at the Lucky Horseshoe, a Rider game on TV, or the occasional trip to the casino she was always ready to play - and more importantly to win. Anita could be counted on to try any new adventure. She really was a trooper. She truly lived life to the fullest. We will miss her today, tomorrow, and for always.
She is survived by her immediate family: husband Steve, children Carol Edwards (Dave), Lois Burkell (Norman Sloan), Lyle Burkell (Judi), daughter-in-law Nancy Burkell; her grandchildren, Bonnie (Paul Mearns), Anita, Thomas (Stephanie), Kara (Tim Downing), Spencer, Katie, David, James, Preston. One brother Bud, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family whom she always stayed close to and cared for deeply. She was predeceased by her beloved eldest son Ken (a loss she carried deep in her heart daily), her parents Anne (Lensen) and Preston Kobussen, brother Eldy, and sister Lozelle.
A vigil of prayer will be held at 7 pm on Sunday July 8th . A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Monday, July 9th, both services will be at St. Philip Neri Church. Those so wishing may make a donation in Anita's name to the Canadian Diabetes Foundation. Arrangements are entrusted to the Saskatoon Funeral Home. Email condolences can be sent to mail@saskatoonfuneralhome.com
It is with truly heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Anita (Sis), wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend on July 2nd, 2012.
Anita was born into a happy family in Vanscoy, SK on May 24, 1927. Unfortunately, she lost her dad and older sister within a six week period to the flu epidemic of 1929. With her mother and brothers and the support of family and friends the family moved to Saskatoon in 1931. Sis' Catholic faith life began with her baptism, was nurtured by her mother, and continued most recently when she received the Anointing of the Sick. She and Steve were founding members of St. Philip Neri Parish where she attended for over fifty years. Her faith comforted and sustained her throughout her life. She graduated from St. Mary's School, attended Bedford Road Collegiate, and completed her business program at Tech Collegiate. Her first job, a much sought after government position, paid 65 dollars per week. She joined the civil service bowling league…there meeting her Steve. They married August 19, 1952 and welcomed four children into their family. She became a dedicated homemaker and loving mother.
She belonged to St. Philip Neri CWL, Happy Wanderers Square Dancing Club, Cairns Avenue Bridge Club, and Hunter's Ladies Bowling Club. At the age of 40 Anita was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes - it changed her life. She became a dedicated walker and exerciser, a routine she continued until the day she entered the hospital. Anita was a total people person. She loved to reminisce about old times with her many friends and family. Upon meeting a new person she could always trace back a common link, shared relative or friend therefore making a new connection and a new friend. She loved to travel whether it was an extended trip to Europe or Hawaii, weeks in the Queen Charlotte Islands, a weekend in Waskesiu, or a day trip around Saskatoon.
She attended as many of her grandchildren's events as possible. Whether it be swim meets, baseball games, wrestling matches, or school musicals - she was their biggest supporter. Anita loved games. It could be a game of aces-to-kings with her grandchildren, bridge at Riverside Terrace, rummoli at Waskesiu, bingo at the Lucky Horseshoe, a Rider game on TV, or the occasional trip to the casino she was always ready to play - and more importantly to win. Anita could be counted on to try any new adventure. She really was a trooper. She truly lived life to the fullest. We will miss her today, tomorrow, and for always.
She is survived by her immediate family: husband Steve, children Carol Edwards (Dave), Lois Burkell (Norman Sloan), Lyle Burkell (Judi), daughter-in-law Nancy Burkell; her grandchildren, Bonnie (Paul Mearns), Anita, Thomas (Stephanie), Kara (Tim Downing), Spencer, Katie, David, James, Preston. One brother Bud, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family whom she always stayed close to and cared for deeply. She was predeceased by her beloved eldest son Ken (a loss she carried deep in her heart daily), her parents Anne (Lensen) and Preston Kobussen, brother Eldy, and sister Lozelle.
A vigil of prayer will be held at 7 pm on Sunday July 8th . A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Monday, July 9th, both services will be at St. Philip Neri Church. Those so wishing may make a donation in Anita's name to the Canadian Diabetes Foundation. Arrangements are entrusted to the Saskatoon Funeral Home. Email condolences can be sent to mail@saskatoonfuneralhome.com