Obituary of Natalka Shirokoff
SHIROKOFF, Natalka (Nettie) – (nee – Yaremko)
December 6, 1927 – Rycroft, AB
May 15, 2017 – Kingston, ON
Our Lord has called our dear Mom, Nettie Shirokoff, home on the evening of Monday May 15, 2017 at the age of 89 years.
Mom was born into a large Ukrainian immigrant farming family in Northern Alberta. Her family eventually moved to Agassiz British Columbia where she began school. She became an award winning accordionist and eventually moved back to Calgary Alberta becoming lead accordionist and singer with the Calgary Ukrainian Orchestra and Choir; finishing her high school at Western Canada HS, and singing in operas, choirs, and dance bands entertaining the troops. Upon her father’s death she moved to Vancouver BC and found her passion caring for others. Mom graduated from nursing at Vancouver General Hospital receiving a scholarship to specialize in cardiac at Baltimore Hospital. Upon marrying, Mom and Dad moved with Alcan to Arvida Quebec, started their family, and eventually transferred to Kingston where Mom devoted herself for 30 years to nursing at KGH. Mom treasured family above all else. So many guests were welcomed to her dinner table for special occasions. She loved to laugh and had an amazing sense of humour. Mom enjoyed bridge and theatre but was especially devoted to watching her children and grandchildren graduate.
Mom was predeceased by her loving husband of 47 years George Peter Alexandroff Shirokoff; her parents Ivan (John) Yaremko and Ciza (Sadie) Isopenko (Kowaliuk); and her parents-in-law Peter and Antonina Alexandroff Shirokoff (Batuieff). She was the proud mother of Peter (Sheila), John, Patricia, and Catherine (John); doting grandmother to David, Heather, Isaac, Lauren, Jeremy, Richard, Peter, Valerie, Kathryn and Jonathan; and devoted great-grandmother to baby George. Special thanks is expressed for the loving care given to Mom by her great-niece Lisa. Mom is fondly remembered by the MacDonald, Kiernan and Evans extended families; her numerous cousins especially Tom, Shirley, and Pat; and numerous friends especially Bev and Carolee.
Family will receive friends at the James Reid Funeral Home (1900 John Counter Blvd. Kingston) on Thursday, May 25 2017 from 6-8pm and Friday, May 26 2017 from 10-11am followed by the funeral service in the Chapel at 11am. Interment Cataraqui Cemetery. Reception to follow. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
