It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Isadore Steve Shewchuk at the University of Alberta Hospital on October 9, 2022 at the age of 86.
A man of music and nature, Isadore will be remembered with love by many family members and friends including his four children, Theresa, Michael (Jackie), Brian (Zoryana) and Alexandra, his four grandchildren, Mary, Bridget, Adam and Maxim, his ex-wife Lesia, and her daughter, Iryna, and granddaughter, Rosanna.
Isadore was born on March 22, 1936 in Ethelbert, Manitoba. He grew up nearby on a farm in Garland, the middle child of five siblings. It was on the farm that he found his life-long love and appreciation for nature. He became a devoted enthusiast of the great outdoors and introduced his children to the wonders of nature through camping, cross-country skiing, canoeing and gardening.
In his early 20s, Isadore’s job with the Canadian National Railway took him to Alberta where he met and married Marlene Baker. Together, they raised four children while Isadore completed his BA (University of Alberta), followed by his master’s in social work (University of Calgary). Over the next 15 years, Isadore served as a social worker for the Glenrose Hospital, the Edmonton Public School Board and Ukrainian Canadian Social Services. In later years, he also worked in real estate, travel and tax services. Following his retirement, Isadore continued to serve the community where he could, in park and road services and even as a school bus driver.
Isadore loved music and his Ukrainian heritage. He was a beautiful singer and guitarist who performed at every opportunity, even recording his own Ukrainian music album in the ’90s. He was a proud member of the Ukrainian Male Chorus of Edmonton and he sang and danced with the Veselka Ukrainian Dance Association.
Isadore travelled to Ukraine several times to explore his roots, enjoy his relatives and many adventures there. He helped numerous friends and family members from Ukraine realize their “Canadian Dream” to immigrate. His devotion to his Ukrainian roots led him to meet Lesia Synychak, who became his second wife in 1997. Together, they owned and ran a daycare, enjoyed travelling internationally and participated in the rich Ukrainian community they both loved.
Prayer vigil will take place on Friday, October 14 at 7:00 PM followed by a funeral service on Saturday, October 15 at 10:30 AM. Both services will be held at St. Elia’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church (11833-66 Street NW, Edmonton) and presided by Rev. Fr. Bill (Vasyl) Maskal. A reception will follow on Saturday in the church hall and interment at Evergreen Cemetery (16102 Fort Rd NW, Edmonton).
Isadore’s family would like to thank the University of Alberta Hospital, especially the staff in the Geri-Neuro Unit (5G2) and the Stroke Unit (4G4) who provided him with compassionate, caring treatment and support for over ten weeks.
Isadore requested that any donations be made to the cancer society or foundation of your choice.
Serenity Funeral Service
North Central Chapel
780-477-7500
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of SHEWCHUK Isadore Steve October 9 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta