Obituary for
Sister Aloysia Anastasia (Nancy) SSMI Safranowiz
SAFRANOWIZ, Sister Aloysia Anastasia (Nancy), SSMI
1913-2019
Sr. Aloysia, a Sister Servant of Mary Immaculate, died in Mary Immaculate Long Term Care, Mundare, AB on June 1, 2019, at 106 years of age, with 91 years in religious life. Anastasia, known to her family as Nancy, was born to Michael and Anastasia (nee Wasieczko) on February 17, 1913, in Chipman, AB. Nancy was the ninth of thirteen children born to them; she had four brothers and eight sisters. Sr. Aloysia’s parents were very active at St. Mary’s Parish in Chipman. Nancy and her siblings were raised in an atmosphere of active love and involvement in their church. At the age of 15, on September 2, 1928, Nancy entered the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, with a grade 7 education. She began her novitiate on March 3, 1929, taking the name Sr. Aloysia. She pronounced her first vows on September 3, 1930, and final vows on October 4, 1936. She remained in Mundare until 1934, completing her High School education. After receiving her diploma in Edmonton, she was given permission to begin Normal School (Teachers’ College) in Montreal. She received various levels of pedagogical certification in both Canada and the United States, and began a Masters degree in Library Sciences, which she applied in the establishing of libraries in several parochial schools in which she was missioned.
She was missioned in Canada from 1967, in Winnipeg and Montreal, while awaiting her Canadian citizenship. Having received it, she was permanently missioned in Canada thereafter, serving Vegreville and Edmonton, AB; New Westminster, BC, Windsor, ON, Montreal QC, Ituna, SK, Calgary and Mundare, AB. Sr. Aloysia also taught during her “retirement” years as well, in the form of Ukrainian school and catechetics. She taught the faith at all age levels, and in varied formats, from First Holy Communion preparation to adult Catechist training, in formational groups such as Children of Mary and Altar Boys, to summer catechisms, camps, and youth retreats, to leading prayer groups of the Ukrainian Catholic Womens’ League, to SSMI Associates meetings. She was superior for 11 years at various missions.
Sr. Aloysia also cared for the beauty of the parish churches where she served, preparing altar breads, looking after the linens, decorating the churches, especially for holy days, and offered her musical skills as a cantor.
Sister Aloysia spent her last 18 years in Mundare, AB, with the last two years at the Mary Immaculate Health Care Centre. Since her 100th birthday, local newspapers had celebrated her long life. Her mind was sharp to the end, taking an interest in those around her, even in her last ‘mission’ at MIHCC. She was full of joy, and lifted the spirits of all who knew her.
Sister Aloysia was predeceased by her parents; and all of her brothers and sisters. She is survived by many nephews and nieces.
Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am, on Thursday, June 6, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Home Chapel, Mundare. Basilian Fathers officiating with interment in Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church Cemetery, Mundare. In lieu of other tributes, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Home.
Photos, memories and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Sister Aloysia Anastasia Nancy SSMI
Safranowiz 2019..
Décès pour la Ville: Vegreville, Province: Alberta