Nellie Tekatch

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Nellie Tekatch (Popik) on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at the age of 97 years. 

Nellie goes on to join her daughter Elizabeth and baby granddaughter, her mother; Pauline Popik (Zadorozny), father; Alex Popik, as well as all her siblings. As well, her beloved husband John, who passed away in 1965.

Though she was left a young widow, she had been blessed with four beautiful children, seven grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren whom she loved dearly. Her love of family and children had her open her heart and home to 16 children that she fostered as babies.

Nellie was known for being a very hard worker and was very organized allowing her the flexibility to adapt to a variety of jobs and leisure activities. Growing up she was known as "Jack" the Amazing gloveless fastball pitcher in her league and also later on played with the Ituna ladies softball team as pitcher.

She was a devoted church goer and belonged to the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League, serving as UCWL president in 1986, and on the Parish Centre Building Committee.  She volunteered as a cook at the Parish Centre.  She was an excellent cook and baker, and loved sharing her homemade bread, buns, apple pies and perogies with family and friends.

Mom loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as gardening, tending to her apple trees and raspberry bushes, playing bingo and cards, getting together with family and friends. In her senior years she enjoyed bowling and shuffleboard at the Social Club. Though she enjoyed many activities, family always came first and she always put others before herself.  

Moms love also extended to animals and she was very fond of dogs, cats, and birds, and had them all. In turn of all the love mom gave out, it was equally returned to her as she was loved, and will be greatly missed by so many.

A Funeral Liturgy was held for Nellie on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 10:30 am from the Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Ituna with  Rev. Fr. Basil Malowany officiating.  The service was livestreamed and is available through the link below.    

Interment followed in the Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery - Ituna.

Vichnaya Pamyat

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