SISTER CHRYSANTHA EVA CHRUNIK

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SISTER CHRYSANTHA EVA CHRUNIK, SSMI 1917-2013 Sister Chrysantha, a member of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, died peacefully at Holy Family Home, on September 19, 2013. Eva (Sister Chrysantha) was born on February 20, 1917, in West Bend, SK to Panteleimon (Panko) and Pelagia (Domshy), who emigrated from Western Ukraine. She was the fifth of eleven children. The Chrunik family lived an exemplary Christian life. Three of their daughters chose religious life - Mary (Sister Alphonse), Anne (Sister Bernarda) and Eva (Ewdokia) (Sister Chrysantha) and became Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, often referred to as the ABC Sisters. Sister Chrysantha was predeceased by her parents, brothers John, Constantine, Joseph and sisters Sister Alphonse, Sister Bernarda, Justine, Alice, Antoinette, Agatha and Helen. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews with their families. Eva attended Sacred Heart Institute in Yorkton. She entered the Novitiate of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate in Mundare on August 25, 1936, making her first profession of vows on February 25, 1939 and final profession, August 15, 1945 in St. Mary's Church in Yorkton, SK in the presence of her parents and other family members. Sister Chrysantha furthered her education in Winnipeg, attending Teachers' College. For four years Sr. Chrysantha taught typing and shorthand in Sacred Heart Academy in Yorkton. She then began her beloved apostolate of teaching primary grades in Montreal, Detroit, and Hamilton. In Winnipeg she taught at St. Nicholas School (later named "Immaculate Heart of Mary School") for 32 years. Sister Chrysantha celebrated her Golden Jubilee as a Sister Servant in 1986. A Jubilee Committee consisting of her former students honored her with a testimonial banquet in Winnipeg and established a "Sister Chrysantha Bursary Fund" to be used for the benefit of needy students. Since this time many students have furthered their religious and cultural education thanks to these bursaries. Throughout her 78 years as a Sister Servant, Sister Chrysantha generously served her religious community, church and people. She taught children religion and Ukrainian in parishes during the school year and in the summer months in various parishes throughout Canada. She prepared countless children for First Holy Communion, including the grandchildren of her students! Sr. Chrysantha had a joyful spirit and made it her life's work to reach out to others with compassion and a welcoming smile. She deeply touched the hearts and lives of many throughout her lifetime. In 2009 she continued this mission as a resident of Holy Family Home in Winnipeg She inspired others with her acceptance of the infirmities of aging. The Sisters are grateful to the Staff on Sacred Heart Unit at Holy Family Home for the tender compassionate care they gave Sr. Chrysantha and for the beautiful relationships that developed between her and her caregivers. Prayers will be sung Tuesday, September 24 at 7:00 p.m. and Divine Liturgy will be celebrated Wednesday, September 25 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 737 Bannerman Ave., Winnipeg. Interment will be at Holy Family Cemetery. Sr. Chrysantha had a great love for Immaculate Heart School. Her wishes were that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the School's "MOVE THE SPIRIT" Campaign. VICHNAYA PAMYAT KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 21, 2013