Anne Siska

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Anne Siska. She was born Anne Bies in Bradlo, a Slovak farming community near Hearst in Northern Ontario July 15, 1935. She lived a difficult life on the farm with various moves with her parents and 6 siblings through Northern Ontario while her father sought work during the depression years. She was raised mostly in Bradlo where she did well in school and went on to teach in Northern Ontario for a year. She worked for many years as a teller CIBC in Hearst. She remained an avid reader throughout her life.

She met and married the love of her life John Siska and together through their long marriage they raised four children Lori, Russell, Krista and Michael. She was active in Hearst in the church and in the community art scene, sponsoring music festivals, learning about Slovak culture and history, and teaching art and Pysanky to many local children. She and John were known for supporting and welcoming the marginalized and vulnerable in Hearst. She survived the loss of her infant first born daughter, the tragic death of her son Russell in his 20’s, the death of her husband John, and her daughter Lori. She is predeceased by them and her brother John, sister-in-law Rolande (Bill) and 3 brothers in law Steve (Nicole)Hugh (Olga) and Brian (Martha).

She is survived by Lori’s children Ivahn (Christine) and their children Aubrey and Emmett, Annie (Ryan) and their children Lex, Ariya and Georgia, and Alex; her son Michael (Suzanne) and their children Sarah, Jonathan and Stephen; her daughter Krista (Tony) and their four children Michael (Angela), Patrick (Kathleen), Tanya (Dave) and Theresa (Nick) as well as Theresa‘s three children Joshua, Carter and Rosie and Tanya's soon to be born child. She is survived by sisters Olga and Martha, brothers Rudy, Bill, and Ernie and their spouses and grandchildren.

After the death of her husband John, she moved to be closer to her youngest grandchildren in Thunder Bay. She survived many health issues of her own including bowel and breast cancer and cardiac issues and moved into Chartwell where she enjoyed the lively company of many friends until worsening health and frequent falls during the early days of the COVID pandemic required a move into Roseview LTC. There she survived COVID but never regained her full mobility and tragically suffered the loss of many of her new co-residents. The grief was compounded by the isolation during the pandemic and visitor limitations. Her poor hearing rendered phone calls difficult, but she was lucky however to have her extended care partners Krista and Michael and brief outdoor meetings other family including her two youngest great grandchildren Georgia and then Rosie when COVID allowed. She was lovingly cared for by the staff at Rosview who also suffered so greatly during the pandemic themselves. Deserving special mention are her PSW Carole Peltier and the many other staff who took time to cheer her up, to show warmth and empathy and to respect the wish for style that so characterized Anne throughout her life. Thanks go to her nurse practitioner Tanner Dunn and Dr. John Coccimiglio who were always there to answer questions. Our family is grateful that when she was made palliative the staff allowed other family members to visit inside and in the end she was surrounded by these loving family members as she took her last breath- rest in peace Anne!

A private service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in the Chapel of Sargent and Son Funeral Home with Rev. Luigi Filippini officiating. Those wishing to attend the service may do so virtually by going to the Sargent and Son Facebook page. Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.

To plant a memorial tree in honor of Anne Siska, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.