Shortly after midnight, on Sunday October 2, 2016, Anne Arychuk slipped peacefully away from this life, and into the presence of her Lord. She was well loved, and loved well – and will be sorely missed by many,
Anne (with an e) was born in Wembley Alberta, the 5th child of Ukrainian Immigrants (Ludmila and Jakim Krestinski). Shortly after, her family relocated to a small farm in Armstrong BC, where more brothers and sisters brought the sibling total to 11 (Kostanty, Walter, Evangeline, Sonya, Anne, Joanna, Elizabeth, Lillian, William, Daniel, and Jacob). Even as a child, she was spunky and adventurous, and grew up loving life. In 1949 the family moved into Vernon, and were finally able to enjoy the pleasures of indoor plumbing, central heating, and a telephone! Anne later graduated from Vernon Senior Secondary, where her strength and speed were seen and appreciated on her school’s basketball team.
After High School, Anne attended what was then called “Normal School”, where she received a teaching certificate. Her first teaching position was in Glendon Alberta, during the same year that she married Steve Arychuk. Anne continued to teach various short-term teaching contracts (Green Lake, Red Lake, and Kamloops), and eventually settled permanently in Salmon Arm. She was a scholar in her own right, and went on to earn her Bachelor of Education. Anne taught for a total of 35 years – many of those years as a Kindergarten teacher at Salmon Arm Elementary. Her teaching was much more than just a job to Anne. She made many friendships with students and colleague, many of which she maintained throughout her life.
Anne enjoyed teaching, but she loved being a mother. Daryl was born in Kamloops, Laurel in Salmon Arm, and during the last day of Anne’s teaching at Mount Ida School, Anne taught all day, attended a year end track meet, and within hours welcomed daughter Heather into the world! Spending time together with family brought her much joy, and she often travelled many miles to make Family Reunions, camping and fishing trips, and times together at the Farm a reality.
Anne was never idle and never short of energy. She was also a domestic at heart, and regularly won ribbons at the Salmon Arm Fall Fair – one year winning the Best Overall title with great pride! Anne took her skills, joy, and enthusiasm into her family life, her church, and her community wherever there was a need or opportunity: being involved in her church kitchen, cooking at SunnyBrae Bible Camp, volunteering at the local thrift store, and hosting many events around her own kitchen table. Anne will be remembered for her open home that was warm and welcoming to everyone. She didn’t wait to see a need, but was early at the door of new neighbours with her lovely loaves and world famous butter tarts!
All who knew Anne would attest to her honesty, sincerity, kindness, and generosity. At age 13 she made a life altering decision to follow Jesus Christ. Anne had no fear of death. She knew of forgiveness and peace, and held onto this firmly throughout her life.
Anne specifically asked that Dr. James Levins and Dr. Fionna McLellan be acknowledged and thanked for their excellent care. Deep appreciation is also extended to Bastion Place for their loving care of both Anne and her family, during these last few weeks.
Anne was predeceased by her husband Steve in 2011. Family now missing her dearly are: children Daryl (Marita) Arychuk of Salmon Arm, Laurel (Norm) Fiege of Red Deer, Heather (Albert) Leyenhorst of Dalmeny. Six Grandchildren Juanita (Justin), Ruth (Jeremy), Rachel (Warren), Cheryl, Chad (Sarah), and Logan (Katelyn). Six beautiful Great Grandbabies who called her GG: Shiloh, Maria, Esther, Macy, Callie, and Baby Garrit James.
Funeral service for Anne Arychuk will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 (Shuswap Community Church, 3151 6 Ave NE, Salmon Arm, BC).
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Broadview E Free Church (Ukranian Orphans Mission) 350 30th St NE, Salmon Arm, V1E 1J2 or BC Children’s Hospital.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through Anne’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com