In Memory of

Stella

Mary

Kalynka

Obituary for Stella Mary Kalynka

Stella Kalynka passed away peacefully in her sleep, September 2, 2018 of heart failure. She was born October 3, 1931, in Lefnard Saskatchewan. Stella is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Darlene Kalynka (Donald Lawrence), Karen Kalynka (Willem van Doesburg), Valerie Brown (Mark Brown) and her beloved grandson Maxwell Kalynka van Doesburg; by sisters Melvina (John) Alexson, Diane Welter, Elaina (David) Konoby Sinclair; and by brother Bill Konoby. Stella has many nieces, nephews and friends, one being her special friend Sheldon Quast . Stella was predeceased by her daughter Oceania Marlene Kalynka, her husband Andrew Kalynka, her parents Mary and Metro Konoby and by her brothers Mike and Peter Konoby. As a mother she was presented with many challenges with the birth of our sister Oceania Marlene who was diagnosed with a rare skin disease, E.B., now referred to as the butterfly disease. It required creative ways of managing her bandages and dressings to keep infection under control. Mom had the idea to use cigarette paper as a barrier between her open wounds and clothing. Because of Stella’s dedication Marlene was able to live a productive independent life. Our mother was always resourceful and prided herself as a caring person with a gentle touch. During her early life Stella enjoyed the farm lifestyle and, later, her home in Alvena. She loved learning and reading about medicines and herbal remedies and enjoyed her vegetable garden, especially growing broad beans — “beeb” — in flowerpots. Stella also liked entering contests and won a few times at bingo and the lottery. In her retirement years she wrote poems and songs and had them put to music. These ranged from comments on politics and social issues to stories of love. Throughout her life and through her songs Stella maintained a healthy sense of humour. As a family we could talk to Stella about anything. She is sadly missed by her family and all that knew her in the surrounding community. Stella Kalynka was a beautiful spirit and stood up for herself as an individual. The Funeral Service was held at the St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church at St. Julien, SK on Friday, September 7, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Patrick Powalinsky officiating. Interment followed in the St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery. Donations in memory of Stella may be directed to the Saskatchewan Heart and Stroke Foundation. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Marc Blondeau of Kushneryk Funeral service, Wakaw, SK, 306-233-4403.