Mrs. Sonia Stefanyshyn, beloved wife of the late Walter Stefanyshyn, of Preeceville, passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2025. She was 83 years of age. Sonia Betty Hanchar was born on the farm in Hazel Dell on August 22, 1941, to Laudie (Alex) and Mary (Sawka) Hanchar. After Laudie passed away, Mary was married to George Kowalyk, who raised Sonia and her siblings. In the early 60’s, Sonia moved to Canora where she worked at the Creamery and the Robinson’s Store. She later moved to Calgary for a short stay. Returning to Preeceville, she worked at the Century House Restaurant and Bar. This is where she met the love of her life, Walter Stefanyshyn. They were married in 1977, and moved to Lintlaw to run the Gulf Bulk Station. When Walter fell ill, they moved back to Preeceville. Sonia loved to garden and cook. With her love of flowers, she always had a wonderful display in her yard. She was a very generous, caring, kind, soul who loved to look after those that needed help. Sonia loved to laugh and joke around with all who knew her. She always had a story to tell, especially about her young brothers, Walter and Ronnie Kowalyk. They always loved her cookies and were often caught with their hands in the cookie jar. Sonia spent a few years in Preeceville Care Home where she had many great memories and fun with Candace and the folks there. Sonia is predeceased by her husband, Walter Stefanyshyn; brothers, Bill, Russell, and Joe Hanchar, Ronnie Kowalyk and nephew, Kris Kowalyk. Sonia is survived by her brother, Walter Kowalyk; sister, Lil Collins, sisters-in-law, Kerri Turner and Molly Kowalyk; cousins, Nick (Olga) Belous and Mary Radawetz as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from Trinity United Church, Preeceville, with Reverend David Mugadzi officiating and Leanne Jakubowski playing the piano. The hymns, “Jesus, You Have Come to The Lakeshore”, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”, “Safe in the Arms of Jesus”, “Amazing Grace”, “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” and “In The Garden” were played. Candace Kuta shared some special memories of Sonia. Interment followed at the Preeceville Cemetery with Walter Kowalyk, Kerri Turner, Molly Kowalyk, Nick Belous, Candace Kuta, Brian and Deb Myhr serving as casketbearers. Memorials may be made to Trinity United Church (Box 1105, Preeceville, SK S0A 3B0) or Preeceville Personal Care Home (Box 1150, Preeceville, SK, S0A 3B0) as gifts of remembrance. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Sonia’s tribute page at preecevillefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Preeceville Funeral Home.
