It is with great sadness, the family announces the passing away of Sophia Wlad (Badiuk) on May 26, 2019 at the age of 100 at the Spirit River Long Term Center. She was born on October 13th, 1918, in Arbakka, Manitoba, to father George Badiuk and mother Wasylyna Badiuk.
Sophia was raised in Arbakka, Manitoba, where she attended school. Her father, mother and family made the move from Manitoba to the Ksituan district and then to Yellow Creek area 20 miles north of Spirit River to begin farming in 1930.
Sophia married Sam Wlad in the fall of 1938 where they farmed in the Deep Valley area. They raised three children Ed, Lillian (Zurock) and Margaret (Van Someren). Farm life was hard, both work in the home and outside working alongside with Sam to make things better. She always had a big garden and loved growing flowers. There was always time for preparing the traditional Ukrainian foods and dinners with family.
Sophia and Sam retired to Grande Prairie in 1978 where they resided in their home until 1999. Sophia then lived in Heritage Lodge until 2018 where she enjoyed playing bingo and other games with the many new friends she made while living there. She also enjoyed having a flower garden outside her window, feeding and watching the birds.
Sophia is survived by her children Ed, Lillian and Margaret; grandchildren Russell, Deanna, Randy, Terry, Shauna, Trevor; great grandchildren Carley, Robyn, Regan, Anika and Elias, Michaela, Eilysh, Madeline, Avery, Kody, Alexis, Levi, Lydia and Sage.
Sophia was predeceased by her husband in 2002, father George, mother Wasylyna, brothers Pete and John, sisters Maria and Annie.
Funeral service for the late Sophia Wlad will be held on Saturday, June 8th at 1:00PM at the United Church, Spirit River. Interment to follow in the Devale Cemetery.
Sophia’s family would like to thank Wendy, Janice, staff and volunteers at the Heritage Lodge for their kind support throughout the years. Thanks to the Spirit River Long Term Care Center and Dr. Eva Kitigawa who made her comfortable in the final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arthritis Society or a charity of one’s choice.