It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother/grandmother, Anita Sawchuk. She was a beacon of kindness and without her the world is not as bright.
Anita was born on March 20, 1935, in Fort William’s East End to Adele and Constantino Margarit. She was her mother’s baby and the last of 9 children. She passed away after a brief illness with her loving daughters by her side.
She attended St. Stan’s School and later on completed her Dental Assistance program. While working in the meat department for Safeway, she met the love of her life, Maurice Sawchuk. They soon married and had 3 daughters: Corinne, Michelle and Cheryl. Mother’s selfless love was shown to her children and to many she babysat as her home was filled with love. All of the kids loved coming to Nita’s house where they were welcomed with home-made delicious food. Leaving empty handed at mother’s house was never an option.
After babysitting, she acquired a job as a school bus driver which gave her a sense of pride. She loved being with the kids on the bus and listening to their stories.
Family was of the utmost importance to her. Quite often she’d be on the phone for the third time that day with her big sisters Rita and Doris. Her niece Janice was also her close friend with whom Anita would attend many social functions.
She loved her gardens and was pleased to share her produce, especially the peas with her grandchildren. Anita loved when she became a grandmother, and since she was one to never stay still, she would be ready to babysit at a moment’s notice, knit slippers and mitts, or do whatever was needed to help out. Her love for nature was observed by her daily walks around the river, mushroom/blueberry picking, camping with family and watching her birds.
Anita will be remembered for her excellent cooking, tasty homemade pies, muffins, apple squares, lemon loaf, sauce, pierogies and all her preserves.
She was predeceased by her husband Maurice, her parents, her brothers (Geno, Leno, Orpheo, Aldo and Dominic), her sisters (Chella and Rita), and her sisters-in-law Olga and Lillian. Lilly was especially dear to her, and they had a chance to enjoy each other's company at SLG in the later stages of their lives.
Anita is lovingly remembered by her daughters: Corinne Ceci (John), Michelle Francis (Greg) and Cheryl D’Angelo (Remo); her grandchildren: Samantha, Max, Zachary (Grace and Ben), Aria (Lia, Adam), her remaining sister and best friend, Doris Szturm, her nieces Laurie, Linda, Carla and Kristin who were a big part of her life, and her dear nephew Danny. Special thanks to HRM staff on 5S Shanae and Priya who were with us to the end, and to Father James who came often to offer spiritual support along with Msgr Stilla who was always there for her. There will be a funeral service to celebrate Anita on Tuesday, July 15 at 11am at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. A private interment will occur at a later date.
On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com.
