Obituary of Vivienne Popowich

Vivienne Grace Popowich passed away at the Lloydminster Hospital, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan on Sunday, August 13, 2017 at the age of 84 years.

Vivienne is survived by: her loving husband, George Popowich; her children, Gerald (Holly) Popowich, Joyce (Miles) Jurke and Glen (Christine) Popowich; her grandchildren, Jacqueline (Trent) Rowley, Nicole (Kelly) Small, Luther Jurke, Katelyn Popowich and Gerad Popowich; her great grandchildren, Rachel Popowich and Chase Small; sisters-in-law, Fay Payne and Betty Payne.

Vivienne was predeceased by: her Mom and Dad, Kathleen and Norman Payne; her brothers, Ken, Lloyd and Allan Payne; her mother and father-in-law, Ann and Peter Popowich; and her nephew, Arnold Payne.  

The Funeral Service for Vivienne will be conducted from the Grace United Church, Lloydminster, Alberta on Friday, August 18, 2017 at 1:30 PM.  The reception will immediately follow the service. Interment will be held at the Northminster Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Vivienne may be made to the Northminster Cemetery.

Vivienne's funeral card can be viewed or downloaded from the link below.

https://indd.adobe.com/view/154f5cca-bb75-4894-bad0-786bbcc54ef7

Eulogy as presented by Joyce Jurke: Mom was born on February 5, 1933 to Kathleen and Norman Payne here in Lloydminster and grew up in the Greenwood District. She was the lone sister to 3 brothers, Ken, Lloyd and Alan. Family was very important to Mom and she cherished her memories growing up and would always enjoy sharing a story or two of the trouble they got into or the people they helped. She worked in Lloydminster as a telephone operator, spent time with cousins and friends, then one evening at a local school dance she met a handsome young man named George Popowich. They settled on the Popowich family farm 12 miles northwest of Lloydminster and celebrated 65 years together this year in June.

Not only did they build their dream farm, they built a home and a welcoming place to gather for everyone. Mom and Dad's was the place to be at coffee time, after a good hard storm, the occasional meal and almost every Sunday something was going on.

The home I mentioned started in 1954 with Gerald's arrival and then myself in 1959. Mom and Dad were very settled and content as a family of four, but 11 years later in 1970, they decided to stir the pot and Glen arrived.

Mom loved her role on the farm, finding balance between us kids, helping Dad where she could and working tirelessly in her garden, the place she found her peace. She became our expert on how to prepare and plant a garden, put away preserves and balance it all off with her many flower gardens which were ever changing and evolving. All three of us kids are proud to be able to point somewhere in our own yards today and show you the legacy that she has left behind for us to care for and make our own.

Caregiver -a word that many say describe Mom in a nutshell. As kids we remember her working to balance the needs of those she wanted to care for along with the needs at home, often trying to be in two places at once, and often succeeding. She was never comfortable being in the role of needing help and wanted every day to ensure those she loved, especially her husband, were comfortable, cared for and loved.

Mom did have a small rebellious side -especially when she was driving. As kids we all remembered once she hit highway 17 on our way to town the pedal went to the floor. Dad and even one of us would give her that look and she would simply say "I'm cleaning out the carburetor!" She secretly enjoyed her cars and with a twinkle in her eye would rarely turn down a chance to ride or drive anything fast on four wheels!

In reflecting with many this week there are a lot of memories that have been shared and many kind words echoed about Mom and I want to share a few with you;

•           A Precious Lady with a Good Grand Heart

•           An honest, considerate woman -always concerned for family

•           A Night Bird -available at any time for a chat or a good puzzle

•           A meticulous organizer who recorded and documented all that mattered to her

I would like to close on the strength of Mom's faith. She had a hidden faith that some didn't know, but was always there. Her Grandmother helped show her the right road to walk, to attend church on a regular basis and life Eternal is what counts. Her Mom and Uncle continued cultivating her faith as she attended church at St. Luke's Northminster and St. John's Anglican Church. She taught Sunday school, was leader of the J.A.'s, was a member of the ACW, helped with the Northminster Cemetery, and much much more. Mom passed her love of Jesus onto her children and knew it was a choice each of us had to make, but no matter our path she was there for each of us.

In Mom's words; When one comes near the end of our journey, it all looks so different from when we were young. We see where we failed to do as we should. Good deeds cannot save us, only the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse from all sin. Believe in him and thou shalt be saved.

CARDS OF THANKS:  We would like to thank all those that sent flowers, cards and condolences to us during this time of our Mom’s passing.  We greatly appreciate all the messages, stories and words of encouragement we have received.  We would also like to thank the many staff at the Lloydminster Hospital, Reverend Stobbs, the Grace United Church, the Anglican Church and McCaw Funeral Service

                                                                                George, Gerald, Joyce, Glen & Families