Mona Anne Rokochy
June 6, 1948 - June 8, 2013
As published in the July 22, 2013 World-Spectator
Mona Anne Rokochy (Sawchuk) of Wawota, Sask. passed away at Deer View Lodge on June 8, 2013 at the age of 65. She was born on June 6, 1948 in Foam Lake, Sask. to Carl and Diana Sawchuk, a sister for Carl and Evelyn.
They resided on farms in the Sheho District and she attended school in Sheho until the end of Grade 8. She then went to high school in Foam Lake, where she met the love of her life, Louis James Rokochy. They were married in Sheho Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church on July 13, 1968, with the reception held in Foam Lake.
Mona and Lou started their married life together in Foam Lake where Lou had started his career with the Credit Union. After a short stint in Govan, Sask. they moved to Wawota where Lou became the first Credit Union Manager of the new Wawota Branch. It was here that they were blessed with two daughters-Leah Rynae in November of 1973 and Amanda Quinn in January of 1979.
Mona's employment in the area included Gray's Pharmacy where she worked for her dear friends Ron and Judy, and Deer View Lodge, where she worked as a Special Care Aide from the time it opened in 1985 until her retirement. At Deer View she was loved and adored by so many residents and staff, many of whom appreciated her trading her days for their evenings or nights-Mona was one of those special people who ended up doing what she was meant to do.
Mona loved to read, especially autobiographies, but loved any good book and passed this enjoyment on to both her daughters and grandson. She loved watching Louie play ball and hockey (when she could watch and wasn't in the bathroom). Her other passions included music, which her and her girls had the same taste in and loved to turn up loud and sing to. She adored dancing, especially with her Louie, which was evident to anyone present-at times they seemed to be the only two dancing as they glided around the dance floor.
Mona was very involved and supportive in all of Lou and the girl's activities. She was there for almost every Music Festival session (of which she was entry secretary for many years), 4-H Achievement Day, ball game, hockey game, drama production, curling match, etc., and often volunteered her time to these events. She did all of this while still keeping a spotless home, a yard and garden free of weeds, and providing delicious meals and baking-although she claimed to "detest" all of it and always claimed to be not good at any of it.
Mona had a big heart and donated to many different charities. Her caring heart was also evident when she was socializing. She loved to have a good time and her laugh was so infectious. Some of her best times were spent around fires with friends and acquaintances while Lou played the guitar, where they would eventually be requested to sing their infamous version of "Long Tall Texan."
Mona was predeceased by her father Carl in 1978; her mom Diana in 1989; her husband Louis in 2001; sister Evelyn in 2007; nephew Warren in 1985; father-in-law John in 2003; dear cousin Rick in 2002; among other cousins, aunts and uncles.
She is survived by her daughters Leah (Scott) and Amanda; grandchildren Jack and Penny; brother Carl (Hazel); mother-in-law Rose; brothers-in-law Mike, Allan (Charlene) and Mitch (Donna); sister-in-law AnnaMae (Luke); and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Visitation occurred on Thursday, June 13, 2013 from 7-9 p.m. at Carscadden's Funeral Chapel in Wawota. Funeral service for Mona was held on Friday, June 14, 2013 at Wawota United Church, with Reverend Barbara Wilkins officiating. Pallbearers were Godsons Scott, Shannon and Corey Sawchuk, nephews Darren, Pat, and Jon Rokochy. Honorary Pallbearers were Carl Sawchuk, Allan and Mitch Rokochy and dear friend Ron Gray.
Mona was laid to rest beside her beloved husband Lou at Wawota Community Cemetery following the funeral service. The interment was followed by lunch and fellowship at Wawota Drop-In Centre where lunch was kindly provided by Wawota United Church.
Carscadden's Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Donations in Mona's memory may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association or a charity of your choice.
The family wish to thank and acknowledge everyone who helped us through this time, including the wonderful staff at Deer View Lodge, the staff of Carscadden's, and Amanda's Bear Claw family. We've appreciated all of the kind words of support and prayers-we continue to feel the strength from everyone. Special thanks and love to Shawna and family and Celine "Dion." And to our wonderful, supportive, loving family-words cannot express . . .
Miss Me But Let Me Go
When I come to the End of the Road
and the Sun has set for Me
I want no Rites in a gloom filled Room.
Why Cry for a Soul set free?
Miss me a Little - but not too Long
And not with your Head hung low -
Remember the Love that we once shared -
Miss Me - but Let me Go.
For this is a Journey that we must Take
and each must Go Alone.
It's all a Part of the Master's plan,
a Step on the Road to Home.
When you are Lonely and Sick of Heart
go to the Friends we Know and
bury your Sorrows in Doing good Deeds.
Miss Me - but Let me Go.
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