Edith Zaluski

Edith Zaluski, late of Weyburn, SK, passed away December 20, 2020 at the age of 88 years.

She was predeceased by her parents, Pius and Magdalena Vetsch; her husband, Stanley; son-in-law Dan Sidloski; and her sister, Lydia Ferner.

Edith is survived by her children: daughters, Colette Zaluski, Adrienne Sidloski and her family: Natalie (Thomas) Bazin and their daughters [Wren and Farris], Erin Sidloski (Alik Karimov), Michaela Sidloski (Marissa Pirlot) and Benjamin Sidloski (Uma Doucette), son Gerard (Mayda) Zaluski and their family: Alexandra Zaluski, Dylan Zaluski (Sierra Mann) and Mitchell (Naomi) Zaluski; son Stephen Zaluski; brother Eugene (Marianne) Vetsch; nieces and nephew: Meredith (Colin), Alison (Doug), Enid (Brian), Kathy (Chris), Murray (Dora) and Joanne.

Edith was born in Lake Lenore, Saskatchewan and grew up in Vibank. Her Dad, Pius, was a grain buyer and later, a store owner who fled Russia in the wake of the civil war. Edith was deeply bonded to her parents, and losing her mother to cancer when Edith was only 16 was a searing experience in her life.

After completing high school, Edith left Vibank and studied to become an x-ray technician. She worked in Maple Creek for a brief period and then enrolled in teacher’s college. Upon graduating, Edith took her first teaching assignment at the high school in Neilburg. There she met Stan, and so began their life together.

They married in 1959, started a family, and relocated to Weyburn in 1966. When all the children were school-age, Edith returned to the classroom, teaching primary grades at St. Dominic until she retired.

Edith treated her students as she treated all in her life: as unique individuals. She never talked down to them, no matter how young. Her students appreciated her genuine interest in them as people, reflected in her high but fair expectations and in her wry humour.

Edith lived her life around core values of empathy, humility and compassion. She constantly challenged herself to grow, to be a better person, and to expand her horizons. She remained open-minded and embraced new ideas to the very end of her life.

Both as a life-long Catholic and as a seeker, Edith followed a gospel of love and compassion. As in every other sphere, she found her own balance through reflection and perseverance.

Edith was energised by young people, and welcomed her children’s friends into her home. Her greatest delight was her family, and she was thrilled to embrace new family members.

Edith found joy and fulfilment in all phases of her life, never losing her sense of gratitude nor her down-to-earth approach to life. In retirement, she found new passions (for crossword puzzles, hiking and grandchildren) and rediscovered old ones (for literature). 

Edith faced the health challenges of her later years with courage, resilience, acceptance and good humour. She never lost the essence of herself. 

For over 61 years of marriage, Edith was accompanied by her dear and faithful Stan. She never failed to appreciate the kind, generous and selfless man he was, or the sustaining love they shared. It was natural that she would join him in the next journey, as soon as they were both ready. 

Edith’s family would like to extend their utmost gratitude to the amazing staff at Tatagwa View, House 1, who cared for Edith during her final two years. They treated her with the concern and affection one would show to a family member, providing compassionate care to Edith and warmth and support to her loved ones. 

For family and friends so wishing, charitable donations in memory of Edith may be made to Tatagwa View Care Home, Box 2003, Weyburn, SK, S4H 2Z9 or to a charity of your choice.

A Private Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. from St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church with Fr. Francis Plaparampil celebrant.  Interment followed at Hillcrest cemetery, Weyburn, SK.

Due to Covid 19 restrictions, we all must abide by the province of Saskatchewan’s restrictions on public gatherings by limiting the number of people attending the service to 30 people. 

For those wishing to join the family, please follow the live stream video by opening Edith’s memorial page on RD Family Funeral Chapel’s website starting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 23, 2020.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edith Zaluski, please visit our floral store.