It is with heartbreak and profound sadness that the family of Caroline Bodnarchuk announces her peaceful passing at Pioneer Ridge on December 27, 2021 at the age of 100 years, 7 months, 1 day with family by her side.
She was born May 26, 1921 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan to parents William and Lena (Gabel) Deley. In 1925, her parents moved to Shabaqua, Ontario where her father was employed with the C.N.R. Railroad. Caroline will be lovingly remembered by daughter, Brenda Smith, granddaughter Melanie Ash (Mike), great granddaughter Sadie Caroline, sisters Edna LaBelle, Mary Vankka, brother Robert Deley and numerous nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by husband Michael of 59 years, parents William and Lena Deley, sister Helen Fleming, brothers Michael, Karl in infancy, Peter, Richard, John, nieces Doreen Sallows, Elizabeth Deley, nephews Dennis and James Deley, brothers-in-law Frank Fleming, Bill LaBelle and Ken Vankka.
She was married in 1940 to Michael Bodnarchuk and shortly after moved to Sturgeon River where Mike was employed at Sturgeon River Gold Mine. Later moved to Port Arthur and welcomed the arrival of their daughter Brenda. Caroline was a receptionist at the Shoreline Hotel for a short period of time then employed at the Times-Journal Newspaper and then the Chronicle Journal as switchboard operator until her retirement. She and Mike enjoyed many summers at their country retreat at Shabaqua where many family gatherings were held. Caroline enjoyed music, played guitar, loved entertaining family and friends and always served a gourmet meal. She was an accomplished artist, painting many beautiful landscapes over the years. An avid reader and had great joy tending her flower gardens and attending theatre productions. Caroline was a lifetime member of the Women of the Moose, Chapter 1212 and contributed many hours of volunteer work and later became Senior Regent of the Chapter which she faithfully served. Caroline celebrated her 100th birthday at Pioneer Ridge on May 26, ,2021.
Our very loving, beautiful Caroline is now another angel in Heaven. The family wants to thank Edna LaBelle for all her help and loving care. Dr. Chris Allison and the staff of 4th floor Pioneer Ridge for their care and kindness.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at Riverside Cemetery with Rev. Randy Boyd officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
Some people are Blessings – by Emily Matthews
Some people just know,
right from the start,
How to bring joy
to another’s heart.
Some people just know
how to love and to give -
And they do such nice things
every day that they live.
They’re always a blessing
wherever they go -
It’s a sweet way of life
that some people just know.
