Obituary taken from the Kamsack Times dated July 3, 2008
It is with great love and in celebration of her life that we announce the passing of Marion Cazakoff (Chutskoff) on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at the age of 87 years.
Marion is survived by John, her husband of 59 years, three children, Elizabeth Jonasson (Winnipeg), John and Igrid (nee Bolt) Cazakoff (Shaunavon), Sharon Cazakoff (Regina), and six grandchildren Erin Jonasson (Winnipeg), Kristjan Jonasson (Winnipeg), Lindsay and Jason Cockrum (Saskatoon), Brittany Cazakoff, Jeremy and Jaime Cazakoff (Shaunavon), as well as two cousins, three sisters-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.
Marion was born on June 5, 1921 near Kamsack on the site of the Village of Smirenie, the daughter of Alosha (Alex) F. and Malasha (Molly) F. (Novokshonoff) Chutskoff. Both her parents and four siblings Natasia (Mabel) Ozeroff, Wasili (Bill), Pologie (Polly), Alexei (Alec) predeceased her. She attended Smirenie School. Marion had a life-long passion for learning, encouraging her family towards their own educational success. Marion's first job was as a sales clerk in Kamsack at Avrin's Store from 1942 to 1951. After marrying John Nicholas Cazakoff in 1949, Marion devoted herself to her family, as a wife and mother. During these years she provided care and support to her mother as well as her in-laws, who were in failing health. She was involved in community events and organizations, including the Kamsack Royal Purple.
Marion always had very high standards, tremendous patience and generosity, and was always willing to give more of herself for the benefit of others. The delicious meals that she prepared for entertaining family and friends were always appreciated. She re-entered the workforce in 1969, starting as a dietary aid, progressing to second cook at the Kamsack Hospital, a position she held until her retirement from the workforce in 1986. Marion was devoted to her grandchildren, whose vists were treasured events. Her love for all of them was expressed through her efforts to encourage them at school and in leisure activities. She loved spending time with her grandchildren telling stories, playing board and card games, and on family camping trips. Marion supported Doukhobour cultural activities in Kamsack and Veregin, including the preparation of traditional foods such as clay oven baked bread, borscht, vereniky and pyroshky. In addition she was recognized with a life-membership in the Hospital Auxilliary. She was an avid seamstress, producing many beauitful hand-quilted items, loomed scatter rugs, as well as crocheted and knitted pieces for family and friends. Her love of nature was expressed through her lovely flower and vegetable garden, which she tended until her health no longer permitted. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends.
Funeral arrangements are in care of Andrychuk Funeral services, with burial in Kamsack Riverside Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held in Kamsack on Thursday, July 3, 2008 at 2 PM in the chapel of Andrychuk Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Marion's memory to the Kamsack Hospital Auxilliary or a charity of your choice.