Semeschuk: Julia Luba Semeschuk passed away on Saturday, January 30, 2021 in Fairview Personal Care Home in Brandon at the age of 92.
Julia was born April 3, 1928 in Danbury, Saskatchewan, the youngest child of Ann and Sam Kosteniuk. She was the last surviving member of seven children born to Ann and Sam.
Julia married her sweetheart, George Semeschuk in 1944 at the tender age of 16. George always maintained that “When I saw that pretty little girl, I knew I was going to marry her!” And marry her he did and together they raised six children to adulthood.
Life in rural Saskatchewan wasn’t easy in the post war era and Julia and George decided to venture out on their own, moving to Manitoba where they purchased the home farm at Beresford in 1950. They spent the next six decades expanding their farm, raising their family and enjoying their grandchildren and great grandchildren. The family farming tradition continues as Larry and his son, Chris now share the cropping duties.
Julia was an integral part of the farm, working alongside George for many years and also filling the role as housewife, mother, and provider for her family. She was an avid gardener and kept the larder stocked with canning fruit and vegetables. Nobody ever went hungry if Julia had anything to say about it. She tried the working life for a short time, saved enough to buy her sons bikes but decided she preferred farm life after that.
Not only was Julia a superb cook, she was an excellent seamstress, knitter and crocheter. There isn’t a family member who doesn’t have an afghan, mittens, scarves or socks that Julia made for them, all with love in each stitch. She also kept her children in the latest hand made fashions all through their childhood.
Julia’s grandchildren were her greatest joy, to them she was simply “Baba” and her memory will live on in each and every one of them. Many of Baba’s grandchildren spent hours and hours with her, sharing stories and secrets, learning to cook and garden. She shared her love of cooking with many of them and it’s something they are so grateful for. Christmas dinner is still filled with Baba’s favourite recipes. Her chocolate chip cookies were legendary.
Julia and George moved to Souris in the early 2000s and after George passed away, Julia remained in Souris for a number of years. She later moved to Victoria Landing in Brandon where she lived for five years before making her move to Fairview in 2019.
COVID-19 made the last year very difficult for her as the one thing she cherished most, her family, was unable to visit except for very few and very short intervals. Julia quietly slipped away just as the quarantine was lifted but the last day she was lucid, January 24, was a happy one filled with pizza, Facetime visits with her family and the news that she would once again become a great grandmother. She slipped away that night and died six days later.
Julia was predeceased by her husband, George; daughters, Nadine Syms and Linda Johnston, her grandson, Billy Johnston as well as an infant son, Andrew; parents, Sam and Anna; brothers: Pete, Willie and Harry; sister Mary, twin sisters: Nellie Cybak and Pauline Kobykla, as well as a sister, Katherine in infancy.
She leaves to honour her memory and mourn her passing, daughters, Terry and Zoria, sons, Brian (Bonnie) and Larry (Darci). Grandchildren, Shannon (Brad) Kowtiuk, Daniel (Hilary) Martin, Melissa Wilkinson and her partner, Scott Dyer, Meghan (Brandon) Gerbrandt, Matthew (Danielle) Martin, Jaydee (Ryan) Craig, Michelle Semeschuk, Chris (Lacey) Semeschuk, Brittaney (Broc) Bertrand, Kelsi (Sam) Semeschuk, Aaron (Lisa) Semeschuk, Alexis (Tyson) Semeschuk; her great grandchildren, Sierra and Brodie Kowtiuk, Michael and Mason Martin, Nolan Paczkoski, Kali Wilkinson, Alyssa, Ariana, and Ava Gerbrandt, Carson, Kylie, Camryn Craig, Avery Semeschuk.
Due to the Covid-19 restrictions a private funeral service was held at Kowalchuk’s Funeral Chapel with Reverend Don Oddie, called out of retirement, officiating.
Julia was laid to rest alongside her husband, George and near her daughter, Nadine in Rosewood Cemetery.
A life well lived.
In memory of Julia, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
To all of Julia’s Family I know you will miss your dear Mother and Grandmother, I knew her quite well for many years, I remember her as such a kind and hard working lady, always dressed up so tidy and looking so nice, her eyes always sparkling. Sincerely So Sorry, may your many wonderful Memories bring you comfort now and in the days to come
Mary Ann Carlisle (Tanguay)
Larry, Darci, Jay Dee, Chris, Michelle & Families, we are so sorry for your loss. May your memories of the precious time spent with her bring you peace at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to each of you! Gary & Cathy
To the Semeschuk family,
This amazing, beautiful, lady, will be so missed by all! Julia (buba) was so good to Russ and I, and our three boys and our grandchildren! Julia always made us feel so welcome and a part of her family, you never left her without her giving us a hug and kiss, and we always felt loved! Just knowing her was such a blessing!
The Manary family
Hugs being sent to All the Semeschuk families from the Somersall gang. Julia was a very sweet lady, We enjoyed many visits at my store and of course at the rink watching hockey and figure skating. Please know we are thinking of your family , grandkids, great grand kids during this difficult time.
Sincere condolences to Julia’s family. Julia was our Mother’s roommate at Fairview until a short while ago. She was a lovely lady and we are sorry for your deep loss. May all your special memories of Julia provide comfort and support in your difficult times.
Sincerely, Peggy, Marie and Gordon Matheson
Dear Terry, Zoria, Larry and Brian,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of such a special lady.
Many fond memories of my time spent with your family.
Dorothy and Dennis Johnson
Darci, Larry and family-May the memories of the great times you shared with your Mum, Grandma and Great Grandma sustain you at this time. Thinking of you
Bruce and Sharon Evans
Our family has very fond memories of the kind and generous lady we called Buba. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren, I’m sure her presence will be sadly missed. Thinking of you.
Dear Terry, Zoria, Larry and Brian and your families: So very sorry to hear of the passing of my Auntie Julia. She was the last of the Kosteniuk siblings. She was a very lovely lady and my mother loved her dearly. May she rest in peace.
To the Semeschuk family, our sympathy on the loss of your mother and grandmother. Julia was always very welcoming when we visited with Bill and Linda in her home. You never left hungry or thirsty. She will be missed by all who knew her. Don and Donna Johnston
Terry, Zoria, Larry, Brian, and your families,
Many memories come to mind of our families getting together over the many years ago, lots of laughter, some tears, but mostly joy. Auntie Julia, my mother’s sister, was always a happy, caring, and very kind aunt. She will be remembered with love.
Deepest sympathies to the Semeschuk Family in this time of loss .
Antonia Kostenuik & Family ( Danbury , Sk. )
Sad to hear. She was always very loving and kind.
Rest in Peace Auntie.
To the Semeschuk family
We are sorry to hear of the loss of Auntie Julia. She was so loving, sweet and kind.
She will always be in our thoughts forever and we will always cherish the memories
of the many visits we enjoyed with her on the farm, in Windsor with Mom and Dad
and in Hamilton May God bless you all in this sad time of our lives
We are so sorry to hear of Julia’s passing.She was a special lady and will be missed.Our thoughts are with your family at this sad time.
With love and heartfelt sympathy,
Cindy and Smokey Stouffer
We extend our condolences to you at this sad time.
We were so sorry to hear of Julia’s passing. Hoping the many wonderful memories of her bring you some comfort. Thinking of you all.
Don and Cynthia
My sincere condolences to the Semeschuk family.
Julia was a generous, kind and wonderful lady.
She was quiet, classy and always asking how my Mom & family were. She always spoke proudly of her family, and her grandchildren were everything to her. R.I.P. Julia
Denise Smith-Bosc
Thinking of you all during this most difficult time. We hope you feel the love of your family and friends that could not be by your side. Auntie Julia was such a kind and loving woman may she rest in peace.
Love
Ken & Carolyn
Just found out today about Auntie Julia’s death.
My sisters and brothers offer our condolences to Julia’s children and other family and friends.
She was a wonderful auntie to us, always very, very pleasant and smiling.
It was a joy to visit with her and Uncle George.