Joan Delores Sawka, 1941-2008

Joan Delores (Pur- cha) Sawka, a longtime resident of Culp, Alta., passed away April 12, 2008 in McLennan at the age of 66 years. Joan was born June 1, 1941 at Tangent, Alta. She attended the Fox Creek School at Tangent before attending Eaglesham School where she completed Grade 11. Joan married Harry Sawka June 1, 1960 and they were blessed with five children. When the children were little Joan was active in 4-H, as well as running the farm, which consisted of milking cows, putting in and harvesting the crop, planting a huge garden to feed the family and sewing. After the children were grown, Joan started working at the Girouxville Co-op, then Falher UFA where she spent 11 years. Joan also volunteered for the Smoky River Palliative Care Society for three years. Joan loved gardening, picnics, touring the Peace Country and her flowers. Grandchildren filled Joan’s life with love and laughter along with her childhood friends. In October 2007, Joan was diagnosed with terminal cancer and accepted her fate with courage and a smile. She will be sadly missed by all and forgotten by none. Joan is survived by: her husband Harry of 47 years; son Gerald Sawka of Fairview, Alta; daughter Susan Sawka of Edmonton; daughter Judy Stenhouse of Fort McMur- ray, Alta.; daughter Karen (David) Lauck of High Prairie; and daughter Cheryl (Marc) Forseille of Grande Prairie; six grandchildren who acted as honourary pallbearers including Delanie and Devon Stenhouse, Wyatt and Waylon Lauck, Cianna and Lane Forseille. She also leaves her siblings: Elizabeth Anderson of Camrose, Alta.; Harold (Jackie) Purcha of Watino, Alta; Stuart (Alice) Purcha of Watino; Beverly (Bruce) Dom- brova of Grande Prairie; Caroline Purcha of Peace River, Alta; and Sandra (Marcel) Roy of Falher, Alta. Joan was predeceased by: her father, Walter Purcha, in 1994 and her mother, Janet Purcha, in 2001. The funeral was held April 19, 2008, at 2 p.m. from the Tangent Community Hall with Pastor Dave Squires officiating. Music was by The Emersons. Interment followed at the Watino Cemetery.

Copyright © 1999-2005 South Peace News. All Rights Reserved.
No part may be reproduced without written permission.

View our Privacy Statement.
Send website suggestions to the Webmaster