Josephine Natalka CHOLAK
On Saturday February 11th, 2023, Josie (Josephine) Cholak (Rusnak) of Edmonton passed away suddenly at the age of 86.
Josie leaves behind her children Bonnie (Conrad), Judy, Norine, and Robert (Sandi). Grandchildren Jennifer (Tim), Jeremy, Miranda (Chris), Devon, Vanessa (Teague), Kyle (Elizabeth), Victoria, Alecia, Kennedy (Sam), Kurt and Kristian. Great grandchildren Brady, Sophia, Cynthia and Finnley.
Josie was pre-deceased by her husband Larry (Lawrence), her parents Ruth and Stefan Rusnak, and all of her siblings Mike, Mervin, Elsie, Floyd, Olga, and Edward. She was the last living member of her family.
Josie was born on Wednesday February 19th, 1936, in Vegreville, Alberta. Before starting school, she was only able to converse in Ukrainian. She excelled at every challenge and graduated High School near the top of her class.
While Josie’s older brother Merv was working on a highway paving crew in the area, her mother opened her home to Merv’s coworkers. This act would forever change Josie as this introduced her to the man she would later marry, Larry (Lawrence) Cholak. They were married on November 24th, 1956. The newlyweds purchased a home in the West end of Edmonton (which was then the town of Jasper Place), where they raised their four children.
Josie was an active member in her children lives and created many lifelong memories. She was full of life and loved her children’s sports, whether it be softball, skating, or hockey. Josie always took every opportunity to help out in all of her children’s endeavors.
When her children started their own families Josie’s love of family grew. She spent all the time she could with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Josie loved every second of it. Many of her fondest memories were during these times. There was no greater joy for Josie than laughing and spending time with her family. This filled her heart with love and joy.
Through out all of her years, it always warmed her heart knowing that her family would always be there for one another, and no one was ever really alone. To Josie this was everything.
A Daughter, Mother, a Baba, and a Great Baba. Josie lived a full and healthy life with no major health issues until her last few years. Josie overcame many obstacles, but nothing stopped her from living her life the way she thought it should be. Josie has left a great void in the lives of all that new her and will be deeply missed.
At Josie’s request, there will not be any services held. Josie has been cremated and placed with her loving husband at both of their requests.
Until we meet again Mom. Love you always,
Robert, Norine, Judy, Bonnie.
So sorry for your loss Norine and my sincere condolences to you and your family. Your Mom will always be with in your heart and you have many memories to cherish. Angel’s will always be with you.
Rest easy auntie Josie till we all meet again
Thanks Ron. She was my best friend. ♥️
thanks Ron
My sincere sympathies Norine to you and your family. My prayers and thoughts are with you…may she rest in eternal peace.
So sorry for your families loss. Our sincere condolences and thinking of you all at this difficult time!❤️
thank you very much for thinking of all of us
Love you baba. Hope you are resting on peace.
Auntie Josie was the greatest, and she meant an awful lot to me.
I will never forget her.
So sorry for your loss Norine, Judy, Bonnie and Robert. Sending lots of love, hugs, and plenty of prayers for the entire family.
thank you for your kind words Liz
Our heart goes out to you Norine ❤️ We know how close you and your mom were. Hugs and prayer❤️❤️❤️
Miss you 😔
Love you baba ♥️ You’ll be missed dearly by so many!
So sorry for your loss Judy, Jenny and Jeremy. Sending love and prayers to you all.
There is a special place in heaven for Mrs. Cholak. Her caring ways helped so many in her community in countless ways. It was a blessing that she was there to help parent me. Rest in Peace, and condolences to all family members.