ANNE (FIGUS) RALKO

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ANNE (FIGUS) RALKO It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Anne (Figus) Ralko on May 23, 2007, at Riverview Health Care Centre, aged 80. Anne was predeceased by her parents Anton and Anna (Cesmystruk) Figus; her husband John (Ivan) Ralko; sisters, Maria Muzyka (Joseph), Olga Paciorka (Harry), Anastasia Guz (Alex); and brother John (Ivan) Figus. Anne was born September 22, 1926, in Vita, Manitoba. She spent her formative years in Vita, attending Shevchenko School and helping her parents on the farm. She moved to Winnipeg to further her education at various Collegiate and Institutes. Her passion and devotion in life was Ukrainian traditions, culture, language, religion and family unity. Her family will always remember special times spent celebrating authentic Ukrainian Christmas Eve and Ukrainian Easter at her home, instilling a strong sense of tradition and heritage. Her interests also took her to various parts of the world, which she shared with her best friend Dotcia Dolly. They travelled extensively throughout Ukraine, Europe and North America, gathering special memories on film. Family can attest to the myriad of slideshow presentations that ensued. She worked diligently for many Ukrainian organizations throughout Canada and abroad: The Consistory of Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada (Winnipeg), St. Vladimir's Institute (Toronto), St. Andrew's College (Winnipeg), Trident Press Inc.-Ukrainian Voice Newspaper (Winnipeg) and The Metropolitan llarion Ohienko Foundation (Kiev, Ukraine). She assisted in helping establish numerous Aid to Ukraine campaigns, literary publications and library endowments. In nine years, between 1991 and 1999, she personally packed and shipped thousands of parcels of clothing and books for the needy in Ukraine. In 2001 she published a book titled Ukrainian Canada, which was subsequently distributed to Universities in Ukraine and other regions in the Free world where Ukrainians have education centres. In 2003, on the 40th Anniversary of St. Vladimir Institute in Toronto, Anne was honoured for her many years of devotion and contribution. Throughout her life, Anne was a member of the Canadian Ukrainian Youth Assoc. (SUMK), the Ukrainian Self-Reliance League of Canada (SUS), the Ukrainian Women's Assoc. of Canada, member of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (Winnipeg) and was involved in many other committees and associations within the Ukrainian community. Left to mourn her passing are nephews and nieces, Robert Muzyka (Rosemarie), Audrey (Paciorka) Smith, Orest Paciorka (Nettie), Mary Ann Guz (Dr. Robert Chalaturnyk), great- and great-great-nephews and nieces as well as many extended family members in Ukraine. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Riverview Health Care Centre for the care and compassion shown to her during her stay. Also, the family extends a special Thank You to Reverend Andrew Jarmus and Very Reverend S. Jarmus for attending to her needs with special prayers and consolations. She will be remembered by all for her strong character, fiercely independent spirit, and pride in her Ukrainian Heritage. A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 28 at 11:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St., with reception to follow. Interment will take place in Vita, MB. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Anne's memory to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Room ON109, R3G 9Z9, or a charity of one's choice. VICHNAYA PAM'YAT CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 26, 2007