Remembering Anna Anna displayed so many sterling qualities throughout her life with us. Most commonly, she will be remembered for her beautiful laughter and the twinkle in her eye, sometimes because she knew that you were fibbing her and sometimes because she was pulling your leg! Her laughter was real and spontaneous and you just knew that it came right from her heart. Anna was kind, considerate of others and generous to a fault; a fun-loving, joyful person despite her share of difficulties and life struggles. But Anna was much more than that. She displayed immense courage and determination as she ventured east to begin a new life with her husband Art. Consider Anna, a young women with just one sister, growing up on the sunny west coast - moderate climate, luxurious vegetation, flowers blooming everywhere, thriving without much need for care. Fruit trees, green lawns, lakes, sunshine, neighbors nearby, family and friends close at hand. Nirvana! But Anna seemingly loved my brother, Art, enough to leave all that to begin a new life on a meagre farm in Beechy, Saskatchewan! Little did she know what she would face: extreme weather, sandy soil, a few scrawny caragana "trees", dust storms, snow storms, hail storms, a barely adequate small farm house, a few distant neighbors and ten (!) new brothers and sisters! Well, Anna not only survived this huge upheaval to the life she knew, she thrived. With grit and determination, she worked side by side with her husband to build up their farm. She made do with what was available; through tough times and meagre resources she provided for her family. Anna became an amazing cook, always having cakes or squares or pies on hand to serve farm workers or family and friends. Along with her determination and near-pioneer spirit, Anna was a shrewd business woman. She was a true helpmate to Art as they built up their farm into a thriving operation. Though good times and bad, they were guided by a deep faith in the Lord. If Anna ever regretted her move to a prairie farm, it was never in evidence. In fact, she so embraced her new life, overcoming struggles and genuine hardships, that she became a beacon of light - a joy to know and to be around. Her joyful spirit was infectious and all who came to know Anna enjoyed their times spent with her. Unquestionably, Anna will be missed. She was a strong, guiding influence on her family, a caring and generous neighbor and friend to so many. But where there is love, there will be beautiful memories to cherish. The expected sadness and grief of today will slowly diminish as the memories grow stronger and more lovely. May God bless you all. Jerry Braun (one of the 10)

We are so very sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. Please know that our thoughts are with all of you. Cam and Susan Fraser

My sincere sympathy to all of Anna's family. Your beautiful tribute to your Mother conveys your love and gratitude for her and for a life well-lived. What a legacy she leaves. Your Mom and my Mom, Lorette Bitz, became very good friends at the St. Volodymyr stage of their lives. Mom loved and appreciated her too, for all of the very same attributes you have sited. God bless and keep all of you. Although her time on this earth has ended, there is much rejoicing in Heaven. Sincerely, Gail Ciona