Anne (Hraynyk) Selvet
Born In: Ukraine
Passed in: Sydney
Passed on: February 14th, 2015
Anne (Hraynyk) Selvet quietly passed away at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on Febr. 14, 2015.
Born in Horodnetcia, Ukraine, she was the only child of Demetrius 'Metro' and Barbara (nee Vorobes) Hraynyk.
Anne and her family immigrated to Canada in 1929 when she was seven years of age. They took up residence in Glace Bay where her father worked as a coal miner. Anne’s mother passed away when she was just 10 years old and was then raised by her father, who was an active member of the Ukrainian community.
Following her graduation from St. Anne’s High School, Anne attended Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax. She is believed to be the first woman from the Ukrainian community to enroll in university. Later she opted to attend the Nova Scotia teachers’ College in Truro which launched her career as a dedicated primary grades teacher. Although her teaching career began in Glace Bay, Anne also taught in County York, Toronto for two years before returning to St. Anne Elementary in Glace Bay. Anne later acquired a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of education degrees from St. Francis Xavier University.
Anne loved the outdoors and spent many summer afternoons at Dominion beach. She had a striking appearance (tall, blonde, blue-eyed), and because of this she was sometimes referred to as “Miss Dominion Beach.”
In winter Anne would go ice skating and it was there that she met her future husband, Melvin Selvet in 1960. After her marriage to Melvin, she moved to Coxheath and later resumed her teaching career at Coxheath Elementary School.
Anne was an active member of the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Church in Whitney Pier, continuing he father’s legacy of support for the parish. On the occasion of the church’s 100th anniversary, Anne donated two exquisite stained glass windows in memory of her father and her deceased cousin, Olga Hraynyk. She was also a member of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Sydney River and was involved in many parish activities.
Anne’s devoted husband, Mel, predeceased her in 1993.
Anne was never one to be in the spotlight and because of her genuine interest in others, when conversing with an acquaintance would inevitable turn the conversation away from herself. She tackled every task to completion with spirit and determination, and sometimes to the frustration of others less inclined for perfection.
While frugal in her own needs, Anne gave generously to charitable organizations, churches, as well as private individuals. Her devotion to the children she taught was evident. When encountering them on occasion while out shopping or at social functions, they would approach her and remind her that she was the best teacher they ever had.
Anne’s relationship with both the Hraynyk and Selvet families was ongoing, especially with her cousin Olga (now deceased) of Montreal, Kathy (Hraynyk) MacDonald, Winnipeg, and sons, David , Ottawa and Dr. Stephen MacDonald, Atlanta, and Jane Hraynyk, LLB, Ottawa. Here in Sydney are Daphne Coole and twin cousins, Cassandra and Roxanne Hraynyk. Cindy and Frank Selvet, Anne’s nephew, and their family are also residents of Sydney. Anne’s three godchildren were always foremost in her life. They include; Diane (Nickituk) Dimitropoulis, formerly of Glace Bay, Cassandra Hraynyk, Sydney and Kathy (Hraynyk) MacDonald, Winnipeg.
In her final days and on her 92nd birthday, Nov. 28, 2014, Anne received many congratulatory messages of hope and prayers. Thanks to all of you who filled her final days with the care, peace and love she deserved.
There will be no visitation. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015, at Our Lady of Fatima Church. Rev Duaine Devereaux will officiate. Interment in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.twcurry.com.
