Obituary
With gratitude for her amazing life, the family of Helen Elizabeth Sosna, late of Stoughton, SK, shares the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, at the age of 102 years.
She was predeceased by her parents, Martin and Eva Wysocki; husbands, Joseph Szuta and Edward Sosna; brothers: Leo, Andre, Tony, Walter and Joe Wysoski; sisters: Kateryn Wysocki, Ann McCarron, Frances Steckler, Josie de Vries, Rosie Sirman and Clara Marceau.
Helen is survived by children: Joanne “Jossea” Reynnard (Moe Shaw), Michael Sosna, Donald Sosna (Renata); grandchildren: Elijah Raynard (Stephanie) Nikifor Sosna, Elwood Sosna; great grandchild Rylin Raynard; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.
Helen, the eighth of twelve children, was born on 18 December, 1917 and raised on the family homestead near Oakshela, Saskatchewan . At the age of 18, Helen moved to the Stoughton area and in 1937 she married Joseph Szuta. In February of 1939, the young couple purchased their family farm. Helen enjoyed the outdoors and the life on the farm. In the early years, life was hard. With a team of horses Helen broke prairie, and she worked side-by-side with Joe. Of course, there was also time for riding horses, playing baseball and enjoying a game of cards with family and friends. A particular joy, was the company of brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews.
After 19 years of marriage, in 1956, Helen and Joe were blessed with the first of three children, Joanne “Jossea”. Soon followed Michael and Donald.
Tragically, in 1961, Joe passed away due to a heart condition.
The following years proved to be very difficult – A single-mother with three young children on a farm. With grit and determination, and the help of family and friends, Helen kept the farm going.
In 1963, Helen married Edward Sosna. Life soon developed a routine with growing children and the passing of the seasons.
At 60-years old, Helen became a grandmother to Elijah. She then had to wait another 13 years for her second grandson, Nikifor. Thankfully, Elwood was just three years later.
In 2015, Edward passed away at the age of 92.
Last year Helen welcomed a great-grand son, Rylin.
At sunrise on 13 November, 2020, Helen passed away peacefully in her sleep, on the farm where she had lived for the past 81 years.
Helen’s sharp mind, witty ways with words and her buoyant sense of humor are among her enduring traits. Helen carried us in her strong hands. She lit up our lives with her caring attitude, beautiful smile, and sparkling blue eyes. Helen will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
The family would like to acknowledge the compassionate care provided by the Stoughton Home Care team and Dr. Paszkiewicz. We ask you to say a prayer for Helen and to keep her in your heart.
A Visitation for Helen will be held Sunday, November 22, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. from RD Family Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, SK.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, November 23, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. from St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, Weyburn, Sk with Fr. Francis Plaparampil celebrant.
Interment will follow at Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn, SK.
For those wishing to join the family, please contact the family or follow the live stream on RD Family Funeral Chapel’s Facebook page starting at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 23, 2020.
For family and friends so wishing donations in the memory of Helen may be made to a charity on one’s choice.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen Elizabeth Sosna, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Helen Elizabeth Sosna November 13 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Weyburn, Province: Saskatchewan