Obituary of Vera Linnea Wyshynski

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Vera Linnea Wyshynski
September 17, 1931 - June 1, 2022

At the age of 90 years, on Wednesday June 1, 2022, Vera joined her husband of 60 years, Issy (2014).

Vera was the fifth child born to Otto and Hildur Franson on the Colonsay farm, joining Herbert, Donald and Einar.  She arrived on a special day, the anniversary of Hildur and Otto’s first born’s passing, who survived only two weeks.  Ingrid, Linnea, Gudrun and Hilding followed, completing a family of ten.  They grew up in hardworking and resourceful times.  Despite the challenges, adventure, joy and camaraderie were shared.

She attended Nicklet School with her siblings, then boarded in Colonsay to attend Highschool.  After graduation, Vera attended Normal School in Saskatoon, receiving her teaching certificate.  In 1951, Vera began teaching at MacKenzieville School, a one room school, in the Elstow District.  Vera caught Issy’s eye and in 1952 they became engaged.  Sadly Otto passed away in 1952.

Mom was very pleased to share her July 3, 1953 wedding day with two of her siblings. St. Thomas Wesley church in Saskatoon was the chosen venue having three aisles, one for each of the brides to enter.  Einar and Yvonne, Ingrid and Henry, Vera and Issy celebrated many special anniversaries throughout the years.

MacKenzieville school closed and mom became a farmer’s wife dedicating her life to family and community.  They raised six children on the Elstow farm.  As the family grew, so did the chores.  Mom was a hard-working farm wife, milking cows, gardening and preserving its’ bounty to provide for her family.  In later years, she baked 21 loaves of bread a week along with cinnamon buns, as there were seven lunches leaving the home.  All of this was done on the day that she washed clothes.

Mom made time for crocheting, knitting and sewing.

As her Normal School yearbook quoted, she was “The girl with ideas.”  Vera was very proud of being an active community member; becoming involved in the Elstow community as early as 1955 with the Jubilee Celebration.  Vera was instrumental in establishing the Dr. Bicum roadside park in 1967 as well as bringing the Elstow history book to fruition in 1983.

Family and friends were important to Mom.  Short notice visits were welcomed; she was able to whip up or stretch a meal at the drop of a hat.  There was always baking in the freezer and a few tasty recipes on hand that took little time to prepare.  Evenings were a time for games and cards to be played with family and friends, often going late into the night.  Mom loved music.  She enjoyed singing and taught her children to dance.  CJWW was always on the radio and she rarely missed listening to Old Time Dance music on Saturday.  In January, she was still moving her feet to the beat of the music while sitting in her chair.

Mom and Dad moved to Saskatoon in 2009 for health reasons.  Mom had long time chronic back pain, living with courage, she faced each day with optimism.  Despite all the challenges throughout life, she was a pillar of strength and complained very little.

Vera was blessed with eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.  She was pleased with and proud of her family.  Nothing made her happier than to spend time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Vera is survived by Dale ; [Eric, Danielle (Chloe, Cadence)], [Evan, Allysa (Mason, Aiden)], [Kyle, Rachelle (Aubrey)], Doris Klassen ; [Craig, Taisa], [Lisa Peterson, Ricky (Alorah)], Lloyd (Irene) ; [Curtis, Anneke (Anderson, Harper, Rhett)], [Daniel, Jenna (Liam)], Blair ; Lyle ; Karen, brother Einar (Yvonne), sister-in-laws Elaine and Jeannette. Vera was predeceased by husband Isadore, grandson Christopher, siblings Herbert (Irene), Donald, Ingrid (Henry), Linnea (Russ), Gudrun (Herb), Hilding, several nieces and nephews.

We will cherish her for her legacy of love, friendship, kindness, forgiveness, wit, humour and her impeccable memory.

Memorial services will take place on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 1:30 PM at Saskatoon Funeral Home, followed by a reception at the Edwards Family Centre.

Flowers are gratefully declined. If desired, donations in Vera’s memory can be made to a charity of your choice.