Jean (Kanasewich) Boychuk-Hope

The family of Jean Boychuk/Hope sadly announce her passing Monday, December 7th, 2020 at the age of 94.

Beloved wife of Fred Hope.

There will be a private family service December 9th at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Piotr Strzelecki officiating. The service will be streamed at The Rev. Piotr on Facebook.

Jean is survived by her daughters Patricia Fontaine, Rena Pincemin and son, Stan Boychuk, sister Louise Charko and  brother Dennis Kanasewich.

 The family wishes to thank the manager and the staff of Caleb for their years of support to Jean and to the management and staff of the Heritage Manor for their exceptional support and treatment of Jean.

 Jean was the eldest child of Paul and Elizabeth Kanasewich.  She was born on June 17th, 1926, in the Eatonia Municipal Hospital.  The family grew and Jean was gifted with three siblings: Teena, Louise, and little brother, Dennis.

 Jean enjoyed school and was quite athletic, participating in all sports—baseball and especially track and field events such as long jump and high jump. She was proud of the fact that she completed grade 10 by correspondence.

 At 19 years old, Jean moved to Edmonton to live with an aunt. Mom loved the city.  There she was employed as a cashier at the Army and Navy. Jean and Paul had been dating since mom was 16, and dad followed mom to Edmonton where they married on January 3, 1946.

 After marrying they returned to the family homestead in Eatonia where they started their family and they had three children: Patricia, Stan and Rena.  They lived on the farm until 1967.

On the farm, Jean was industrious.  As a young girl, she was her father’s “right hand man” and she became Dad’s “right hand man” She helped dad by hauling grain and doing anything he needed. Mom knew how to get something done well and efficiently. 

Mom could milk a cow faster than anyone!  She sold cream and eggs. The cream can money was “mom’s money”.  She bought dad his first baler with cream can money. That’s a lot of cream and eggs!  She was a spotless housekeeper and her home looked like a show home.

In the late 60’s , Dad had some major health issued and they moved to Saskatoon. There she began her second career.   She worked at a pharmacy delivering prescriptions, back in the days when there was no Google Map or GPS. What courage that took! Later she sought employment with the Saskatoon Federated Coop starting her lengthy career with the Coop.

While in Saskatoon, she was very active with the Ukrainian Women’s Association and the Orthodox church.  These were some of mom’s happiest memories. 

After 3 years in Saskatoon, they moved the farmhouse into Kindersley and settled there.  Jean started working at the Coop Lumber and Service station where she ran the bus depot.  Later, she transitioned downtown to the furniture shore.  She loved working there.  She had a talent for interior designing. She loved arranging and displaying furniture at the store and at home.  So much so, that when Dad came home one night, went to lie down and there was no bed!

Jean was artistic and very creative. Mom’s hands were never idles. She crocheted afghans for all her children and grandchildren.  She painted pysanky and taught the skill through the Community College. 

She had a flare for fashion.  Her outfit was never complete without matching shoes, purse and jewelry.  Mom never left the house without her lipstick---never—even to get into the truck to haul grain. 

Jean like to sing and hum.  If she wasn’t humming, she was tapping her fingers or his toes.  We all learned to dance in the kitchen.  She also played the guitar and the mandolin. Music became a huge part of our lives.

Mom was an active community member.  She was a Coop Guild member sang in the Community Choir, was a volunteer for the museum, Hospital Auxiliary and Meal on Wheels. She enjoyed volunteering.

Jean retired from the Coop in 1996 and started to do some travelling.  She took road trips with Edith, Verna and Cecilia.  They saw many parts of Canada and the United States together.  Her trip to Hawaii in 1989 was a favorite, but her trip to the Ukraine was with her sister Louise was the highlight of her life.

A few years after Dad’s passing, Mom married Fred Hope on May 2, 2006. Mom and Fred took his 5th wheel to Mesa, Arizona for many winters.  She loved the community there: the Kettlecorn suppers, the dancing and the new friendships.

They also ventured into Mexico and Texas.  In the summer they camped at different sites.  She enjoyed this time immensely.

She was a good Baba to her 9 grandchildren.  Baba’s chiffon cakes and perohy were everyone’s favorite.  She was the keeper of their secrets or their partner in crime.  She never missed a graduation, even if she had to fly to the Yukon!

Jean had 15 great grandchildren.  One of the oldest great grandchildren said, “She will be remembered for the strong, smart-minded woman that she was.”

Our mother was a social butterfly who loved entertaining, valued family and friends.  She was a gracious host who welcomed all.  

Jean had a deep faith in God and prayed her entire life.  She believed.  May she be welcomed in heaven joyfully!

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