Obituary of Sophia Alice Sych

Sophia Alice Sych

(September 25, 1932 - July 6, 2021)

Sophie Sych was born on September 25, 1932, in Thorsby, AB, the 3rd of 6 children. Sophie attended Dnister School until Grade 9. She then helped on her parents’ farm. A few years later, she went with her parents to St. Basil’s Camp to help brush and clear the land. Here she met the love of her life, Henry Sych. After a short courtship they were married on November 9, 1950. To this union, 3 sons were born: Morris, Larry, and Jerry.

Sophie took great pride in her family, farm, and garden. For many years she picked the largest and best vegetables to enter in the local fairs. Each time she came home with many different prize ribbons. She took fresh produce and eggs to the weekly farmer’s markets and from the weekly sales Sophie got to meet and make many acquaintances in the Wetaskiwin and Camrose area. She seemed to know everyone, and everyone knew her, and she was Baba to many. 

Sophie and Henry retired and moved to Camrose in 1998. Sophie did not really retire as she became an active member of the community and the churches. You would often find her helping at the church making perogies and cabbage rolls or helping at the monthly lunches.  

All her grandchildren were very dear to her, and she enjoyed taking them on summer trips to Callaway Park, the waterslides, the lake or other similar trips. 

Sophie and Henry enjoyed visiting with family and friends. Their house was open to everyone and they especially enjoyed holidays and special events with family and friends. She welcomed everyone into her home with open arms and would not let you leave without having something to eat or take some home.
Sophie and Henry managed to go on many trips across Canada, USA, Mexico, Cuba and Poland. Bus trips were her favorite. On these trips they met and made many new friends. 

Sophie had a strong faith and much of her life revolved around the Ukrainian and Roman Catholic churches. As a result, many priests became close friends. 

Sophie leaves to mourn, sons Morris (Theresa) of Red Deer, and Jerry (Ariadne) of Bittern Lake and daughter-in-law Marlene of Millet; 7 grandchildren David, Danny (Christine), Heather (Christian) Giorgi, Julie (Jason) Lien, Brittany, Vanessa (Jordan) French, and Kelly Richardson; 12 great-grandchildren; brothers Safronie Hanas (Jean) and Morris Hanas (Gladys); sisters-in-law Marie and Genevieve Hanas; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Henry; son Larry; parents George and Anna Hanas; and brothers Walter, Alex, and Joe Hanas.

Her smile, kindness and presence will be missed by all that knew her. She was truly a good person, with a kindhearted soul, who worked hard, and always did her best.  

A Prayer Vigil was held on Tuesday, July 13 from 7:00 PM - at the St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church 3605 50 St, Camrose.

A Funeral Mass was held at 10:30 AM July 14, 2021, from the St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church, 3605 50 St Camrose with celebrants, Rev. Mark Bayrock and Rev. Greg Faryna.

A recording of the funeral service can be found by following the link below:

https://vimeo.com/578700883/c33ce821df

In lieu of flowers, if family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Sophia's memory may be made to the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, or to S.T.A.R.S. Air Ambulance, or to the charity of one's choice.