It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother. On October 9, 2014 with her sons at her side, Sophie Zaretzky of Swan River, Manitoba passed away at the age of 93 years at the Swan Valley Health Centre.

She attended Franko School in Zhoda during her early years. She was the eldest of nine children. Sophie and Anne, the second oldest, were needed to do chores and look after the younger siblings on the family farm. This took precedence over school attendance, but Sophie was known to leave the kids with her sister Anne and run off to school anyway. Her formal education ended after Grade 8, but she developed beautiful penmanship along with excellent math, reading and writing skills. She would have loved to become a teacher and was very proud that her two sons eventually chose that profession.

Sophie worked on the farm until her early twenties before moving to Winnipeg and finding work in a sewing factory during the war years. She also held down part time jobs at various times and sent some money back to the family in Zhoda.

After the war, Sophie met her future husband, Leon Zaretzky, in Winnipeg and they were married in 1950. They moved to Renwer, MB and together they carried on a mixed farming operation for approximately 30 years. They raised two boys, Rick and Bill. Mom worked extremely hard on the farm, helping with harvesting, haying, all the farm chores and feeding the family. She always had a bountiful garden and lovely flowers around her home. She was a fantastic cook.

After selling the farm, they moved into the village of Renwer, then to the Town of Swan River. After dealing with Leon's failing health and eventual passing in 2011, she insisted on being independent. With the help of a dedicated home care team and wonderful neighbours and friends who visited, brought her mail, shovelled her driveway, and mowed her lawn, she was able to carry on in her own home until her final days. That was her wish and she achieved it. She looked forward to visits from her sons and the opportunity to cook delicious meals for them. She enjoyed cooking her own meals, looking after her personal banking and grocery shopping. Already this fall, she dug her potatoes and harvested her garden. Despite aches and pains, she was still optimistic about the future. She was already gathering seeds for next year's planting. She enjoyed reading, listening to the Saturday Night Get Together radio program and visits with some of her dear friends. Her mind was sharp until the very end.

Sophie is survived by sons Rick (Joan) and Bill, sisters; Mary (Peter) Sopiwnyk, Olga Marynowski, Jean Bilawsky, Doreen (Dennis) Tysoski, brother; Bill (Anne) Myskiw, sister-in-law Elsie Miskiw, grandchildren; Rodney Zaretsky and Leanne (Rick) Dubowits and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Leon, parents; Harry and Nellie Myskiw, sister Anne Wintoniw and brothers; Mike Myskiw and John Miskiw.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Swan Valley Health Centre for their care and compassion during Mom's illness.

A funeral service was held on October 14, 2014 at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of the Swan Valley Funeral Services Ltd. with Reverend Kathy Highmoor officiating. Interment took place beside her husband in the Veteran's Section of the Birchwood Cemetery, Swan River, MB. Active pallbearers were Rick Zaretsky, Bill Zaretsky, Rodney Zaretsky, Elmer Zaretzky, Ted Zaretzky and Dennis Tysoski. Everyone in attendance at the service were considered honorary pallbearers.

Should friends so desire, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.