Obituary of MELODY SAS

MELODY SAS (BILESKI) April 2, 1943 – August 9, 2014 After a life lived fully and well, yet all too soon, Melody Sas, loving and beloved wife of John Sas, passed away on Saturday, August 9th, at Seven Oaks General Hospital, at the age of 71 years. Predeceased by her parents Andrew and Mary Bileski and her sister Diana Sribniak, Melody is survived by her husband of 49 years, John; sister Nadya Pelowich: brother-in-law Michael Sas (Patricia); nephews Kerry Pelowich (Lenore, children Tyler and Stacey), Danil Pelowich (children John and Krysta and their mother Michelle), Gregory Sribniak, Matthew Dakin-Sas (Rob); nieces lrene Sas, Alyson Sas, Catherine Sosney (Glen, daughter Erica), Tamara Munro (Andy, son Kyle). Melody was born the youngest daughter of Mary and Andrew Bileski. A gifted student throughout school, she was active at an early age in the cultural life of the Ukrainian Canadian community in North End Winnipeg, participating in music, dance, Ukrainian language school and activities at the Ukrainian Labour Temple. Melody's genial personality and interest in people, along with her outstanding organizational skills laid the basis for her successful 35-year career in the travel industry. lt was her concern for her clients themselves as much as her impeccable travel planning that brought them back to her again and again. After leaving travel, Melody joined husband John in their Kwik Kopy printing business where they worked together until retirement. As important and successful as her work was, Melody devoted her life primarily to the well-being and enjoyment of her community and family. For many years, she was active in the NDP. She supported a variety of community events and social causes. Within her large circle of friends, Melody was a person they turned to for care and support, one who readily offered a helping hand, not waiting to be asked. Melody maintained close ties with her extended family, young and old, close-by or faraway, and welcomed every opportunity to spend time with them. A life-long resident of the North End, Melody loved being home, cooking for friends or tending her garden. She also loved traveling and exploring other parts of the world, whether it was fishing with John or visiting friends somewhere in Manitoba, taking groups of students to China or tourists to Ukraine, enjoying a cruise or a road trip, settling in at their summer cottage or their winter home in Arizona. Wherever they were, Melody was either making new friends, or inviting family and old friends to join her and John. Such was her vibrant spirit of hospitality. Melody touched many lives through her caring ways and through generously sharing her enjoyment of the life she built with John. The outpouring of love and concern during Melody's illness has been deeply appreciated. Special thanks to the staff of Seven Oaks Hospital, 5th floor, unit 1. Melody will be lovingly remembered and missed. A Service to celebrate Melody’s life will take place on Friday, August 15 at 10:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation or to a charity of one’s choice.