It is with broken hearts that the family of Edith Irene Lazaruk announce her peaceful passing at TBRHSC on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 with her daughter Susan at her side. She was only 15 days away from celebrating her 100th birthday!
Edith was born on August 22, 1924 in Pearson Township to Emil & Lyyti Wirta and raised on the family farm. She was the last of the 10 Wirta “kids” from Pearson. Her Finnish heritage and where her family came from was very important to her. She was educated in a one room schoolhouse and eventually attended college. Edith had many jobs in her lifetime, making many lifelong friends along the way.
She married the love of her life, Victor Lazaruk, on August 2, 1958. They settled in Paipoonge Township where they raised their two daughters Susan and Barbara. Edith was the most kind, compassionate, thoughtful, independent, resilient and amazing woman and instilled these values in her daughters. She had SISU as the Finns would say! Edith never complained about anything life handed her and these values helped in raising a daughter with Down syndrome. Barbara became an independent person who accomplished many things in her lifetime all because Mom never gave up on her.
Edith doted on her two grandchildren Scott and Teri-Lynn. She was so excited when her great granddaughter Camryn was born. Camryn and her Gigi had quite the special bond! Family was very important to Edith. Her many nieces and nephews could attest to that! Many of her friends' children called her Auntie or Gran as well. She was loved by all. She was an amazing cook and baker. We were always excited when the Finnish pulla and cinnamon buns came out of the oven!
Edith was very community oriented being a lifelong member of the Women’s Institute & Rural 60 Plus as well as a 4-H leader for many years. She was involved in many community events over the years. She probably sold you a ticket at the W.I. Strawberry Social where she worked the door for 33 years with her friend Mary Germain.
Edith is survived by her daughter Susan (Terry) Drebit, grandson Scott (Meagan), granddaughter Teri-Lynn (Tyler), great-granddaughter Camryn, sisters-in-law Sandra Wirta and Olga Perry, brother-in-law Clarence McMartin and many nieces and nephews to whom she was a very special Auntie. Predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years Victor, her beloved daughter Barbara, parents Emil & Lyyti Wirta, in-laws Jacob & Katherine Lazaruk, sisters Helmi (Stan) Gee, Helen (Andrew) Munro, Helvi (Pete) Campbell, Helga (Matti) Maki, Helena (Eino) Rintaluhta, Ruth Dunnett, Betty (Bill) Blencoe, brothers Richard (Irene) and Fred, sisters-in-law Anne McMartin, Helen Dysievick, Vera Lazaruk, brothers-in-law Paul Lazaruk, Donald Lazaruk, Frank Dysievick, Gordon Perry.
Special thanks to the Paramed girls (especially Barb & Leanna) who enabled Edith to live at home until January 2022 when she decided it was time to move to Sister Leila Greco Apts. She enjoyed living there, making new friends and enjoying old friendships. To all the staff at Sister Leila Greco Apts, thank you for making Edith feel at home as part of your family. You were all so special to her. Very special thank you to Dr. Michael Sabaz & staff at Sabaz Chiropractic Clinic.
A graveside service will be held on Edith’s birthday Thursday, August 22, 2024 at the Stanley Hill Cemetery at 1:00pm followed by a Celebration of Life at the Kakabeka Falls Legion. She might not have made it to her 100th birthday, but Edith would take pleasure in knowing all her family and friends gathered to celebrate her beautiful life. Donations may be made in Edith’s memory to Rural Cupboard Food Bank, Rural 60 Plus or the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
