PAULINE STRELIOFF (nee Strelaeff)
Pauline was born on June 11, 1918, at Veregin, Saskatchewan, and passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at Hardy View Lodge at Grand Forks, British Columbia. She would have been 94 years old next month.
Pauline is now joyfully reunited with her dear husband Nick, who predeceased her in 1993; as well as her parents, Dora and Samuel Strelaeff; her brother, Alex; her sisters, Norma and Mary; and her niece, Lorrie Dennison. She is survived by her daughter, Margaret Liddle (Howard) of Grand Forks; and by her son, Leonard Archer (Louise) of Hong Kong. She has six grandchildren: Tabitha and Melanie Gibson, Justin, Ryan, Adam and Stacy Archer; and seven great-grandchildren: Alexis, Rachelle, Jeffrey, Taylor, Nicholas, Andrea and Danny. She is also survived by nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.
Pauline spent her early childhood years living on the family farm near Veregin, Saskatchewan. She lost her mother when she was about 11 years old and then her father a few years later. She had to become a strong, independent and self-sufficient woman very early in her life. At the age of 25, she married Nick Strelioff on July 16, 1943, at Princeton, B.C. They subsequently moved to Oliver, B.C., where she gave birth to their first child, Margaret. They later moved to Genelle, B.C., where their son, Leonard was born. They briefly lived in Greenwood, B.C., before making Grand Forks their permanent home in 1957. Mom had stories of all the places that they lived and recalled those days fondly in her later years.
Over the years, she worked as a waitress and a cook, an orchard worker, and a field hand as well as being a full time mom. In her retirement years, she started a cottage industry, which allowed her to do what she was passionate about. She had a love for being outdoors and a passion for gardening. She became well known in the Community as the to-go-person for seedlings and starter pants, and for her voluminous garden. After moving into town, Pauline worked part time for Ann’s Bake Shop up to the ripe old age of 80. Pauline’s legacy to us all is her exemplary work ethic, persistence, determination and endurance.
Mom enjoyed cooking, canning, sewing, crocheting and knitting. Nothing gave her more satisfaction and pleasure than seeing family and friends enjoy a bountiful meal of fresh garden produce and ample borscht and bread. She was quick witted with a good sense of humour.
Mom moved to Boundary Lodge a the age of 92 and enjoyed many special friendships with staff, residents and their families. We wish to thank all of the staff members at Boundary and Hardy View Lodges who loved Mom and treated her as though she was one of their own.
Baba, you are loved and thoughts of you will remain in our hearts. May you rest in the loving arms of God.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2012, at 10 a.m., in the chapel of Grand Forks Funeral Home. Burial to follow at the Sion Russian Doukhobor Cemetery. Everett Baker of Grand Forks Funeral Home was entrusted with funeral arrangements.