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MOOSE JAW — City council honoured deceased resident Christine Boyczuk during its Feb. 24 regular meeting, highlighting the work and efforts that the dedicated volunteer gave to the community over the decades.
Coun. Heather Eby kicked off the meeting to acknowledge that Moose Jaw had lost one of its “esteemed and dedicated community leaders,” after Boyczuk died unexpectedly on Feb. 10.
“Christine had a passion for education, with an emphasis on literacy, and this will reverberate for decades to come among the children and adults she poured her life into,” Eby said.
“She was also passionate about serving her community — our community — and anyone who ever worked on a project or was on a board or committee with Christine knows that she was an all-in leader and volunteer,” the councillor continued.
Boyczuk served on dozens of boards and committees, while her work ethic and dedication were inspirational to everyone around her, Eby said. Moreover, her smile was infectious and “to know Christine was to love her.”
The councillor pointed out that the 78-year-old was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, educator, mentor and tireless community leader. She also left behind “a legacy of service, love and lifelong learning.”
“It was said at her funeral (on Feb. 19 at St. Joseph’s Parish) that what we do for ourselves will die with us, but the things we do for others will live on long after we are gone,” Eby added. “And there is no doubt that the things Christine spent her life doing will live on and our community is forever richer because she lived.”
According to Boyczuk’s obituary, she began as a teacher and later became a reading consultant with the Moose Jaw Public School Board. She then served as superintendent of curriculum and gifted education with the Moose Jaw School Division, director of the Davidson School Division, and trustee and vice-chairwoman of the Holy Trinity Catholic School Division’s board of education.
Her work with LEADS, including her role as regional intersectoral co-ordinator, further exemplified her commitment to bettering her community, where she advocated for poverty alleviation and worked to establish the HUB in Moose Jaw — an intervention program for at-risk individuals, her obituary said.
Boyczuk also dedicated herself to numerous community groups, committees, and initiatives. She served on the John Howard Society provincial board, chaired the Age-Friendly Moose Jaw Committee, co-chaired the Community Mental Wellness Committee, and was a volunteer at St. Joseph’s Church and the Catholic Women’s League.
Furthermore, she was actively involved with the Optimist Club, Rotary Club, Moose Jaw Chamber of Commerce, Family Resource Centre, and Square One Community Inc., the obituary said. The community leader also led over 50 provincial and national conferences, including youth forums and early childhood education conferences, leaving an indelible mark on all who worked with her.
Her contributions did not go unnoticed. She was the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (2002), Saskatchewan Centennial Medal (2005), Moose Jaw City Police Community Safety Award (2014), PRISM Lifetime Achievement Award (2016), Moose Jaw Citizen of the Year (2018), Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal (2019), and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (2022), among others.
“Known for her infectious energy, vibrant spirit, and dedication to those around her, Christine truly had a heart of gold,” the obit continued.
Boyczuk also took great pride in her garden, cooking and creating unforgettable memories, had an impeccable style, played the accordion at family events and dressed up for hilarious skits.
“Christine was, without a doubt, a true gem,” the obituary added. “She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever remain with us.”
The next regular council meeting is Monday, March 10.
