Jean Ratushniak was born in Thorold, ON to Michael John and Julia (nee Procychyn) Tatarnic on August 5, 1921. Jean and her four brothers were very involved in music. Jean sang in a Ukrainian choir, played the mandolin in a string orchestra and danced in a Ukrainian dance company. Jean attended a Catholic school where she was taught by nuns. After completing Grade 12 and a Commercial Secretarial Course, she went out into the work force. Through friends she met the love of her life, Bill Ratushniak. They were married at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church on November 19, 1938. Two years later they moved to Saskatchewan to farm in the Mohela district, where they were blessed with two daughters, Lorraine and Darlene. In 1956 they moved to Canora, where she was later employed at MacLeods. Jean was deeply dedicated to her family and friends and was very proud of her children and grandson. She was an excellent cook and company always left her home well fed. When she would embroider, crochet, knit and make pottery, her creativity was evident. She was also a skilled seamstress. Jean was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Julia; her husband Bill; son-in-law Peter and brothers Alex, Joseph, Walter and Willie. She leaves to mourn her passing and celebrate her life, her daughters Lorraine and Darlene; grandson Cameron of Calgary; sisters-in-law Victoria (Nick) Marchinko, Anne (Ben) Gogol, Ellen Tatarnic and Sophie Bone, as well as nieces, nephews and good friends. Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK with Father Joakim Rac officiating. The responses were led by Cantor, Ed Pindus. Words of poetic tribute and eulogy were shared by Jean's daughters, Lorraine and Darlene. The special taped music processional was "Amazing Grace" and recessional was "I Have a Dream" both sung by Nana Mouskouri. While all those who shared in Jean's life were invited to act as honourary pallbearers, her grandson, Cameron Gogol was the Urn Bearer. A private family cremation committal will take place at a later date. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
