Sylvia Popowich

Sylvia Popowich passed away at the age of 78 years on June 22, 2019 in Regina, SK.

A wake was held starting on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 4:00  and continued thru Wednesday June 26,2019 at the Yorkton Friendship Centre.

A funeral service was held on Thursday, June 27, 2019 starting at 1:00 pm also from the Yorkton Friendship Centre.

Interment will follow at the Yorkton City Cemetery. 

Sylvia was a very kind, compassionate and caring person. Though her life was full of struggles and setbacks she still bestowed great love and care upon her 7 children as a single parent. A Residential School Survivor she still managed to nurture and lovingly provide for them. Her work ethic and love for her children provided a solid foundation for them to also become working, responsible parents to their own families. Sylvia worked many years as a psychiatric nurse at the Pine Unit in Yorkton where she was well liked by both clients and staff alike.
Sylvia was appreciated by many people due to her beautiful smile and friendly nature. She was held in high esteem by both the public as well as friends and relatives. She served as president of the Yorkton chapter of Women’s Aglow fellowship for many years. Her care and compassion for the less fortunate caused her to create “ Baskets Of Hope”. A program that raised its own finances to take food to those unable to provide enough food for themselves. Because of her benevolence and kindness to others she was recognized by being awarded the Queen Victoria Award and various other indigenous and non-indigenous awards.

Sylvia was a very spiritual woman who greatly loved the fact that a few of her children were involved in the ministry. She loved to go to church and play her tambourine. Along with being a praying woman Sylvia also loved to sing solos in church. Her two favourite songs to sing were “ I will bless thee O Lord” and “ What a day that will be.”
Even though she began to struggle with her health, Sylvia still found time to be an elder to many aboriginal functions. Her experience as an elder took her as far away as Ottawa, BC among many other locations. She was a well respected elder who was not shy to share her wisdom and knowledge at all the meetings she was an elder at. Even in poor health Sylvia continued to be an elder at meetings up to the time her health failed her. Her final desire was to pass on the legacy of her mother that encourages all her loved ones to love one another. She will be surely missed by all those that had the privilege of being a part of her wonderful life story.

Sylvia was predeceased by her husband Nick Popowich, parents Elmer & Sarah Cote, sisters Marion, Thelma & Noella, 1 Brother Alvin, 1 son Joseph, adopted son Derick Bearchief -who passed away the day after her and various beloved nephews and nieces.

Sylvia leaves to celebrate her life her children Fred(Maureen), Freda(Alvin), Leonard(Iris), Frankie (Vivian), Mike (Tracy), Leon, and Buffy(Reuben). Adopted son Dez (Joy)Desnomie, siblings Sally(Willy), Esther(Geno), Donna (Fred), Merlene, Ivan(Mae), Shirley, Colleen(Eddie), Vivian(Ryan). One Auntie Monica Buffalo along with 33 Grandchildren and 76 great grandchildren, father of her children - Leonard Keshane Sr  and all her many friends and family who loved her.

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