Obituary of Emily Szala

Emily’s family is saddened by her passing on Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at the age of 95.  Although her health declined in later years, she lived a long and full life.  Emily was born in Baranowitschi, Poland.  Following WWII, Emily followed her husband Jozef (Joe) to Canada, travelling by ship with sons Frank and John.  The family initially settled in Fillmore, later joining extended family to live in Regina.  Joe and Emily were very committed to their faith and worked tirelessly for St. Anthony’s Parish in Regina.  They and their friends participated in church-sponsored dances, bingo, and bazaars, and were always quick to lend support through meal preparation and bartending at many parish weddings over the years.  Emily was a member of the St. Anthony’s Catholic Women’s League and, for a time, served as its President.  Following Joe’s untimely death, Emily moved from the family home to Wintergreene Estates and, later, to Elmview care home. In both Wintergreene and Elmview, Emily participated as fully as she was able in exercise classes, singing, and dancing, and made many new friends. Emily was predeceased by her parents, Carolina and Jacob Sierota; her brother Alexsander; her sister Janina; daughters-in-law Danuta and Marilyn; and her husband Joe.  She leaves to cherish her memory, son Frank and his children Frank Jr., Steven, Shawn, and Marissa (Joe); son John (Brenda) and their children Michael (Pamela), Christopher (Dana), Jennifer (Todd); great-grandchildren Ryelin, Olyvia, Lily, Aspyn, and Jeremy; as well as many nieces and nephews. Prayers and Visitation will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK, on Monday, June 24, 2019  at 7:00 p.m. Celebration of Emily’s Life will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. with  Fr. Gaspar Lucas officiating. Frank and John and their families thank the staff and volunteers at Elmview for their compassionate care of Emily for the past four years. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so, may make a memorial donation in Emily Szala’s name to the Elmview Resident & Family Support Group Inc., 4125 Rae Street, Regina, SK, S4S 3A5.