Josephine (Josie)’s Obituary
Surrounded by her loving family, Josephine Matsalla passed away at the Canora Hospital on February 24, 2020, at the age of 95 years.
Josephine (Josie) was born November 18, 1924 in Hamilton, ON. She was the second child of Joseph and Pauline (Biletsky) Zarazun. She received her education at Norway and Forest Hills Schools. On October 23, 1943, Josie married Joe Matsalla. They lived on the family farm north of Tiny, SK. Together, they raised a family of three daughters and two sons. Josie’s husband, Joe, passed away February 6, 1972. After his passing, Josie continued to operate the family farm. In 1980, she gained employment as an aide with Canora and District Home Care, where she continued to work until her retirement. She moved to Canora in 1985.
Josie and Joe were active members of the Roman Catholic Church near Tiny, SK. With her move to Canora, Josie continued to be active with St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church and was a dedicated member of the CWL, Gateway Lodge Auxiliary, and the Keenage Centre. Over the years, Josie enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, canning, watching curling, dancing, playing Bingo and cards. Josie’s cooking was appreciated by family and friends and she always seemed to have a bottomless pot of homemade soup on her stove. Most of all, Josie cherished spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchild, and her extended family and friends. Additionally, through the years, any chance Josie got to travel, she was sure to take the opportunity.
She will be surely missed by all who knew and loved her.
Josie was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Pauline; husband, Joe; brothers, Ed, John, Carl, Steven and Ernie; sisters, Vicky and Agnes; and her son-in-law, Marcile Hadubiak.
Left to cherish her memory, she is survived by her children: Eleanor Hadubiak, Bernice (Jim) Gulka, Jim (Linda) Matsalla, Theresa (Harold) Mudry, and Brent (Sandy) Matsalla; thirteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; her sister, Mary; brothers, Stan (Joyce) and Adam (Bev); and sisters-in-law, Shirley, Ann and Emily; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A Prayer Service was held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 27, 2020, from the Chapel of Leson’s Funeral Home with Ken Rolheiser as prayer presider. Funeral Mass was celebrated at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 28, 2020, from St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Canora, SK, with Rev. Fr. Franklin Emereuwa, as celebrant. Rite of Committal followed in the Canora Cemetery. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the Canora Hospital Auxiliary – Palliative Care Unit, as tokens of remembrance, in memory of Josie Matsalla.
The Matsalla family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the Canora Hospital for the passionate, loving care provided for Josie and her family. They also extend their appreciation to Fr. Franklin, Ken Rolheiser and St. Joseph’s Church and CWL for the visits, prayers, blessings and compassion shared with them, as well as an extra special thank you to Leson’s Funeral Home.
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2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Josephine Josie Matsalla 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: Canora, Province: Saskatchewan