Obituary of Sylvia Wiechnik

Sylvia Wiechnik was born to Mike and Marie Skappak, February 20, 1925, the eldest of seven children. She was raised as an Acadia Valley farm girl. On November 28, 1945, Sylvia married Joe Wiechnik. The community of Oyen was their home for the rest of their lives and the birthplace of their five children. Sylvia fell asleep in death in the early hours of October 9, 2020, in the Big Country Hospital Continuing Care Unit. She was 95 years old. At the time of her passing she was lovingly surrounded by her daughter, her youngest sister and one of the many caring nursing staff who attended her needs. In her latter years, Sylvia will be remembered for her frank, humorous spirit, her hilarious expressions and endearing ways. She endured many disappointments and losses in her life including the loss of her husband and two of her sons, one a toddler and the other an adult. She also deeply mourned the loss of her independence that came with the deterioration of her physical health and vision. All who knew Sylvia will never forget her stoicism. Sylvia had many cherished female friendships, some spanning more than 65 years, which brought her joy until the last days of her life. Who was Sylvia prior to her afflictions of old age? She was a woman who loved her milk cows and chickens, her runs into town to deliver milk and eggs to her regular customers, gardening and canning, cooking and baking, trying new recipes and the sense of accomplishment at the end of a hard day’s work. Sylvia was very social and had the gift of the gab. She loved getting her hair done weekly, putting on makeup, dressing up … especially when it was for Saturday night dances, old-time music and wintertime curling/bonspieling. She was always eager to give of herself. Above all, Sylvia loved creation and always gave credit to Jehovah, the Creator. She is survived by her children Gary (Mary Ellen) and Randy Wiechnik and Charlene (Ben) Durand; grandchildren Lane (Gerri) and Ashley (Stacey) Wiechnik, Craig Wiechnik and Lynda (Tyrel) Miller, Blair and Brian (Jessica) Wiechnik, Landon (Jamie) and Tristan (Nikki) Matz; great granddaughters Isabella and Macy; sister Connie (Bill) Conway. Sylvia was predeceased by Joe, her husband of almost 62 years (August 2007); sons Wayne (April 1948) and Douglas (November 1999) Wiechnik; daughter-in-law Regina Wiechnik (November 2016); three brothers, infant Sylvester, Ory and Jerry Skappak; two sisters, Lucretia Foley and Lyvena Maahs. In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored to have donations made in Sylvia's memory to one of the named funds.