Ann Sorokin was born in Krestova BC on March 24th 1936, to the family of Polly and Mike Koftinoff.
She was the youngest of three sisters. Florence Tarasoff the eldest (predeceased), and Helen Kabatoff of Krestova BC the middle sister.
She grew up during a tumultuous time, and lost her father at 5 years of age, while he was working out of province. Her mother struggled to raise these girls during the Depression, and she did her best to provide for them. They were very involved in their community and were very devoted to the Doukhobor movement. As a result, she became very knowledgeable in the singing of psalms, hymns and reciting prayers. Singing acapella remained her passion until the very end.
Ann married Stephan Sorokin in 1959 and relocated to Uruguay where they made their home. They had two children Nicolas and Sonya. She faced many challenges as the wife of a Spiritual Leader. Wife and homemaker expanded into driver, interpreter and caregiver. Juggling a young family and social obligations would sometimes seem overwhelming, but she handled them well and without complaint.
Ann was a friendly and outgoing person, and was self-taught. By her mid-twenties she had obtained her driver’s license in both BC and Uruguay. She learned Spanish, and became articulate in three languages, often switching from one to another seamlessly depending on the occasion. She loved cooking and excelled in baking. This was a result in part, of her having worked in a bakery in her teens. She made everyone feel welcome always offering hospitality and friendship in her home.
In November of 1984 at the age of 48 Ann had to say goodbye to her husband, pastor and teacher. She carried on with tremendous courage eventually relocating back to Canada, settling in the family home close to her children and grandchildren.
Soon after, she began a relationship with Steve Lapshinoff, which carried on until his passing in July of 2019. With Steve she did much travelling, and socializing with friends and family. Both played a supportive role in the community and dedicated their life to maintaining their culture.
She was often called upon as a singing coach, and for her extensive knowledge of her culture.
Ann passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 22nd 2020, at Mt Lakes Seniors Care Facility in Nelson BC, of natural causes.
She leaves behind her son Nicolas and wife Debbie Sorokin.
Daughter Sonya and husband Mickey Sapriken.
Five grandchildren and their families:
Granddaughter Ana Maria Sapriken with son Nataniel (Nate)
Grandson Sebastian Sapriken with partner Melissa, and great grandson Sebastian Jr (Sebby)
Grandson Alexander Sorokin, with wife Michelle, and great granddaughter Nora.
Grandson Stephan Sorokin, with wife Lauren, great grandson Holden, and great granddaughter Palmer.
Grandson Mikhail Sorokin.
Sister Helen Kabatoff, many nieces, one nephew, and several good friends and extended family.
The family will remember Ann, as an upbeat and happy person. Her presence will be missed by us all however, we know she has gone to a better place. We would like to thank those who supported mom in friendship and in care. We are eternally grateful for your kindness and consideration for her wellbeing.
At this time, we would like to request that anyone bearing a grudge or hurt for any wrongdoing she may have caused, to please forgive her and allow her soul to depart unburdened.
May God keep her in His Heavenly Kingdom and may she Rest in Eternal Peace.
*The family would also like to acknowledge the Castlegar Funeral Chapel in particular Bill Strilaeff, for the outstanding service and attention offered our family.
*Our appreciation to Sid Malakoff for his help in guiding us through the service.
*Our heartfelt thanks to the community at large for their support.
*Lastly, Harry Zeabin for helping everyone maintain distance as per COVID restrictions, and Andrei Nazaroff and the cemetery crew, for preparing Mom’s final resting place.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ann Sorokin 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Castlegar, Province: Colombie britanique