Obituary of Josie Kalawsky

Josie the youngest child of Peter and Bessie Sank was born in Leduc on January 8, 1910. Peter and Bessie had eight children: John, Mike, Frank, Mary, Stanley, Annie, Joseph and Josie. Peter and Bessie Sank left Przemysl, Poland for Canada in 1902. They had been peasant farmers in Poland and were interested in improving their situation as farms in Poland were small and it was difficult to earn more than subsistence on them. In fact, when they left Poland they had no money or tools, just a trunk holding their clothes and several young children to provide for. It took a month of travel on rough seas before they reached Canada. Their first impression was disappointment but they continued on to Alberta, arriving in Edmonton by train and continuing on to Leduc. They stayed with the Frank Halwa family at first, then settled on a homestead located where the town of Devon is now situated. Early church services were held in the homes of the congregation but later they were able to attend Mass in the first church on the site of present day Holy Trinity. She attended the one room school in Glidehurst and remembers Mrs. Lewis, her teacher and the Christmas concerts the school put on. She was able to continue her education until grade eight. In 1936, she married John Kalawsky in St. Josaphat's Cathedral. They farmed while raising their three children, Pauline, Gerald and Joe. Her favourite pastimes were cooking, crocheting and embroidery. Josie had lived on the farm until moving to Parkview Place for 17 years, then moving to Bashaw Extended Care for 3 months and then moving to Bethany Meadows "Oak Cottage" where she lived until her passing. Josie was predeceased by her husband John in 1968, and all her brothers and sisters. Josie is survived by one sister-in-law, Sister Bonnaventure of Sloatsburg New York, daughter Pauline Norton (Ralph) of Red Deer, sons Gerald (Joan) of Camrose and Joe (Carol) of Vancouver B.C., grandchildren Jackie and Chad Rattell of St. Albert, many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours that she has known over the years. A prayer service was held on Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. from the Burgar Memorial Chapel. Divine Liturgy was held on Friday, April 9, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. from the Transfiguration of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church Round Hill. Interment followed in the church cemetery. If friends so desire memorial contributions may be made to the Transfiguration of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church Round Hill or to Bethany Meadows.