It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother,
Margaret Eleanor Yaholnitsky (Hamilton) on August 12, 2015 at the age of
95. We will cherish our memories of her, particularly her sweet
disposition and her loving nature.
Margaret was born in Winnipeg, MB on June 25, 1920. Her parents, James
Renwick Hamilton and Mary Elizabeth Hamilton (Lord) were Northern Ireland
immigrants who came to Canada to settle in Winnipeg in 1910 and 1913.
Having two siblings, Jack and Dorothy, Margaret was the youngest of the
three children.
The family moved to Yorkton in late September of 1920 where Margaret¹s
father became salesman auditor for the North Star Oil Company.
Margaret attended Simpson School, The Yorkton Collegiate Institute and
finally received her stenographic education at the Angus School of
Commerce in Winnipeg. She was employed for three years as
stenographer/cashier for the T. Eaton Co and then was employed by
Canadian Utilities until her marriage to Stephen Yaholnitsky in 1946.
The couple spent four academic seasons in Toronto, Ontario where Steve
attended the College of Dentistry, University of Toronto. They returned
to Yorkton in 1951 where Steve worked with Dr. Wes Watchler and then set
up his own practice in 1952.
In 1953, during the severe polio epidemic, Margaret contracted the
disease that affected her limbs. Daughter, Gwyneth Jean, age 14 months,
died three weeks later.
Doctors were sure that Margaret would never walk again, but she
participated in an extensive physiotherapy program and was able to walk
until age 94. The love of her life, Steve, passed away in 2003.
Margaret attended First Baptist Church in Yorkton and was very actively
involved in its activities. She loved music and sang in the church choir.
She attended C.G. I. T. with Kelly McNair as leader and later became a
leader. She regularly attended the Baptist Women¹s missionary group and
actively supported the Yorkton Arts Council.
Margaret leaves to mourn her son, Stuart Yaholnitsky (Willa), children
Morgan and Scott; daughter, Marcia McLean (Greg), children Brendan,
Kelsea (Alexander Kielly), and Taylor; son, Bruce Yaholnitsky (Gwen),
children Hannah, Kevin, and Rachel.
Funeral Services were held on Saturday, August 22, 2015 from First
Baptist Church in Yorkton, Saskatchewan with Pastor Steve Rosluk
officiating. The organist, Karen DeLong, led the congregation in the
singing of the hymns, "The King of Love My Shepherd Is" and "Blessed Be
the Tie That Binds". Special Music selections included Kelsea McLean who
sang, "Amazing Grace"; friends from the Zion Mennonite Church in Swift
Current and a recorded piece, "Remembrance" sung by the Swift Current
Comp. Chamber Singers. Susan Brooker read the 23rd Psalm. Words of
tribute and eulogy were shared by Brendan McLean, Stuart Yaholnitsky,
Bruce Yaholnitsky and Marcia McLean. The Interment Service followed in
the Yorkton City Cemetery with Morgan Yaholnitsky, Scott Yaholnitsky,
Brendan McLean, Kelsea McLean, Taylor McLean, Hannah Yaholnitsky, Kevin
Yaholnitsky and Rachel Yaholnitsky serving as the casket bearers. In lieu
of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist
Church, 35 Smith St E., Yorkton, SK. S3N 0H3
Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by
visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were
entrusted to Christie¹s Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton,
Saskatchewan.