Obituary of SISTER RUTH OLGA YAKIMISHYN SSMI

SISTER RUTH OLGA YAKIMISHYN SSMI 1923 - 2015 After a struggle with failing health, on Friday, June 19, Sr. Ruth returned home for a few hours before entering her Heavenly Home, in the presence of her sister, Sister Georgina, and other community members. Sr. Ruth was predeceased by her parents, John and Emily (Borody); brothers Walter, Mike, sister Alma, sister-in-law Doris. Left to mourn are sisters, Sister Georgina and Marie (Jean-Paul) Patenaude, brother Nicholas, nieces and nephews. Olga was born in Roblin, Manitoba, the eldest of six children. She attended Sacred Heart Academy, Yorkton, Saskatchewan, directed by the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate. In her youth, her father died tragically in a car accident. Rather than entering religious life as she desired, she returned home to help her mother care for her siblings. She taught in several Manitoba rural schools, later attending Business College and University of Manitoba, obtaining two degrees. In 1955, after Olga’s siblings became independent, she entered the novitiate of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, taking the religious name of Sister Ruth. Small in stature, Sister Ruth was a giant in generosity and a pillar in spiritual strength. Throughout her life as a Sister Servant, she was supportive to her community and her family with prayer and counsel. Her further education included courses in school administration and advanced theological studies. Sister Ruth loved her religious congregation and each Sister individually. She served as local Superior in Winnipeg, Toronto, Ancaster, Ontario and Mundare, Alberta, teaching at the Sisters’ Academies in Ancaster, Winnipeg (1961-1966), and Yorkton. She was principal for three years in Winnipeg. She also taught children in parishes. Her former students continue to speak highly of her kindness, gentle spirit and prayerful support. For 26 years she was the Congregation’s Provincial Secretary in Toronto working with four different Provincial Superiors. Sister Ruth freely gave of her time, energy and God-given talents. She remained open to an ever-changing world in order to better serve any need that arose. She was grateful to be enriched by all of life’s opportunities. In 2013 she was missioned to Winnipeg, re-uniting with her sister, Sister Georgina. From her arrival till her passing, she shared her gifts of prayer and service. She welcomed all opportunities to offer the Lord’s love and compassion to those whom she encountered. It brought her joy to help Sr. Oresta with her English skills. This year marked her 60th Jubilee in Religious Life, each year being rooted in the strength and peace of Jesus. All those whom she loved, she entrusted to the Mother of God. Much time was spent praying for the needs of those near and far. She lived the words of St. John of the Cross: Where there is no love, bring love, and there you will find love. Prayers will be said on Tuesday, June 23 at 7:00 p.m. and Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 24 at 9:30 a.m. both at Bethany Home, 131 Aberdeen Avenue. Interment to follow in Holy Family Cemetery, 4355 Main Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SSMI Lubov Foundation.