January 13, 1924 ~ December 17, 2015
Age 91, Anna died peacefully on Thursday, December 17, 2015 at Shorncliffe Residential Care Facility in Sechelt, B.C., with her family at her side. Anna was born January 13, 1924 in Leduc, Alberta, second youngest daughter of John and Mary Pyrcz.
Anna grew up on the family farm and then received her teaching certificate in 1943 from Edmonton Normal School. In 1946, she married Walter Mandick, and in addition to working with Walter in the newspaper business, they later together had a professional photography studio and an income tax business. Anna raised three children and was a talented artist and community member. She belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star and was an accomplished pianist and vocalist. She was creative, first with pottery, and later in life she did incredible stained glass work. Anna has left a legacy stained glass piece to every one of her 12 grandchildren.
Anna is survived by her daughter Barbara (Allan) Holt, son James (Kerri) Mandick, and daughter Sandra (Eric) Magnussen. She leaves to mourn 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sisters Vera, Emily and Alexandra. Anna was predeceased by her husband Walter in 2004.
A funeral will be held at St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church in Nisku, Alberta on Monday, January 4, 2016. Mum was gracious, generous and positive, right to the end.
Thank you to the staff at Shorncliffe who took such wonderful care of her in her last few years. Donations in lieu of flowers to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
“The woods are lovely, dark and deep. She has kept her promises and earned her sleep.”