Rose Theresa Sawka

Obituary

SAWKA, ROSE “TAYLOR”(nee Smigelski), May 12, 1933-September 10, 2020, transitioned peacefully at the Ukrainian Care Centre in her 87^th year. Loving Mother to Kim and Lara, grandmother to Tania, Yuri, Callayna and Arcadia, great grandmother to Liam and Jaiden with more on the way. Rose was the second born to Nellie and Steve Smigelski. Her siblings were Max (1931), Olga (Ginger,1934), and Ernest (1935).  A beautiful person inside and out, her spirit shone through her lovely blue grey eyes.  She was drawn to music and dance as a child.  In her teens she dreamed of becoming a model then expressed interest  in joining the army.  Circumstances forced her to settle for training as a Bell Telephone operator which is how she learned how to speak so eloquently.  She then studied and became a legal secretary, eventually stepping in to help build her husband Morris’ thriving construction company. A loving and dedicated wife and mother, she enjoyed and excelled at being a homemaker.  Cooking, sewing and gardening were among her favourite pastimes. She guided her family with her wisdom and deep sense of spirituality.  She took pride in her Ukrainian roots. Rose noted her children’s innate talents and provided them all the opportunity and support to develop their individual creative expressions. She considered all persuits a part of education. Equally important. She developed a great passion for antiques and interior design.  A true Taurus, her home was important to her.  She loved to entertain. Her home became a reflection of her artistic side.  A lover of music, she appropriately renamed the living room the “Music Room.”  Having a great eye, she was well known for her elegance, well demonstrated in her exquisite sense of style and dress. Notoriously open minded and usually decades ahead of the curve, she studied various spiritual paths throughout her life, always a seeker of the truth.  Rose also took a great interest in health and well-being and became a student of Chinese Medicine and macrobiotics.  Charming and willing to share her knowledge with others, she had a profound impact on people. For many years she was independent and on her own. She loved to travel and especially felt at home amidst Spanish culture. That led her to move to Ajijic, Mexico later in life, for a twelve years adventure (movie to follow). She never rushed her interactions, always leaving a person feeling loved and supported even until her very last days. Rose will be greatly missed by so many. But never forgotten. A rose is a rose. Interment  to take place Friday September 25, 2020 at 12:30 pm at St. Volodymyr Cemetery, 1280 Dundas Street West, Oakville. Family and friends will gather to celebrate Rose’s life at Kim Bajer’s residence. Condolences are welcome via www.cardinalfuneralhomes.com Due to Covid-19 restrictions we are limited to 25 people in attendance at the cemetery.

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