Saskatchewan’s Ukrainian community mourns the passing of Nation Builder

(Published in the Saskatoon StarPhoenix from 2/24/2006 - 2/25/2006.)

Emelia Vera (nee Waschuk) Panamaroff of Saskatoon, SK passed away peacefully at Royal University Hospital on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 at the age of 70 years.

Emelia is survived by her loving husband, George; her dear children, Daniel Yuri Panamaroff and his friend, Adeline of Saskatoon; Tanya Panamaroff and her husband, James Limin of Saskatoon; sister, Olha Wasarab of Edmonton, AB; and her niece and nephews, Darcia (Peter) Rolland and their children (Anastasia and Marina), Mark Wasarab, Orest Wasarab and Roman Wasarab; brother-in-law, Edward (Ruby) Panamaroff and niece, Alison Panamaroff and nephew, Eddie (Viki) Panamaroff. She was predeceased by her parents, Onufry and Sophia (nee Woytowich) Waschuk both from the village of Silec, Kaminka Buzka, Western Ukraine; and brother-in-law, Zenon Wasarab.

Emelia was born on May 20, 1935 in Saskatoon, SK. She married George Panamaroff on November 6, 1965 and to this union two children were born, Daniel and Tanya. Daniel and Tanya were their pride and joy and with whom their mother's Ukrainian culture, traditions, faith and education was so lovingly shared with.

Emelia received her Commerce Degree from the University of Saskatchewan, and was a practicing accountant for 40 years in Saskatoon. Her professional skills and her deep belief in the Ukrainian Catholic faith and Ukrainian culture affirmed her involvement in the Ukrainian Catholic Community, St. George's Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral Parish, Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Canada, Musée Ukraina Museum, as well as with various other organizations.

Emelia's involvement began as a youth with Ukrainian School, Children of Mary and Youth Groups. During her university years, she belonged to the Ukrainian National Youth Federation, the University Ukrainian Student Organization, and as an announcer on the first Ukrainian radio program "KYK ".

She joined the UCWLC in 1969 on the provincial level as a Member at Large and treasurer. She served as Museum Chairperson from 1983 to 2001. Presently, she was the CEO at the Musée Ukraina Museum. She served on the Social Action Committee, and in 1991, co-chaired Aid to Ukraine, "Chernobyl Relief ", co-chaired Gift of Hope Relief Fund. In 1994 she initiated Gift of Hope for the Ukrainian family, a foster child program for children in Ukraine, and is now administered by Child Care International. She worked with Saskatchewan Social Services to open adoptions from Ukraine and organized collection of clothes and school supplies for children in Ukraine. She served as UCWLC Cultural Chairperson during 1996 to 1998.

In 1996 she received recognition of her Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine. In 1971, on the national level with the UCWLC, Emelia was the press representative for the National Executive of the UCWLC, Treasurer from 1983 to 1986, and Cultural and Educational Chairperson from 1998 to 2001. Her work was recognized by the National UCWLC with a Honourary Life Membership in 2001. She was awarded a 25-year certificate and the 30-year service pin.

She taught Ridna Shkola, Adult Conversational Ukrainian, and assisted in Sadochok programs from 1973 to 1985. She taught embroidery, the art of writing pysankas, cooking traditions, beadwork, rozpys, and wood-burning techniques. She was the treasurer for the Ukrainian Catholic Council of Saskatchewan in 1994, the Cultural Chairperson with Vesna Festival for 4 years, and was involved with Folkfest for 20 years.

Emelia held elected positions in various religious and cultural organizations: Chairperson for the Musée Ukraina Museum Inc. of the Board to Trustees, the UCWLC Provincial Executive, Cultural and Educational Committee, UCWLC National Executive, Child Care International Western Canada, Co-President for the UCWLC of the St. George's Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, and presently Emelia was CEO for the Musée Ukraina Museum Inc.

Emelia received awards and recognition from: the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, the 2003 Nation Builders Award for dedication and contribution to the life of our province and nation; the Queen's Medal for outstanding community service; she was honoured for 50 years of dedication to her treasured Musée Ukraina Museum.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Emelia's name to the Musée Ukraina Museum of Saskatoon, 202 Avenue M South, Saskatoon, SK, S7M 2K4. Prayers will be held on Monday, February 27, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. The services will be held at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of St. George (214 Avenue M South, Saskatoon), with Rt. Rev. Vladimir Mudri, Celebrant. Interment will take place in Woodlawn Catholic Cemetery, Saskatoon, SK. Arrangements entrusted to James Werezak of PARK FUNERAL CHAPEL, 244-2103.