Nadine FODCHUK
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved sister, aunt, and friend, Nadine Fodchuk, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the age of 84. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and an adventurous spirit.
Nadine is survived by her brother Roy (Gail) Fodchuk, sister Helen Shorter, as well as 14 nieces and nephews, 16 great-nieces and great-nephews, and 5 great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Russell (1978) and Olga (1989), and her older sister Mary (2024).
Born on March 29, 1940, in Athabasca, Alberta, Nadine was the youngest of four children born to Ukrainian immigrants Russell and Olga Fodchuk. Growing up on the family farm instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for nature, and a love for the simple joys of life. Even as the youngest, Nadine pulled her weight with the chores, always trying to keep up with her older siblings. Whether tending to animals, picking blueberries, or playing games with her brother and sisters, Nadine embraced life with enthusiasm and determination.
From a young age, Nadine knew she wanted to be a teacher. She pursued her passion for education, earning her teaching degree from the University of Alberta in 1960. Her career took her to Drayton Valley, Yellowknife, and ultimately back to Edmonton, where she spent many years teaching in the County of Strathcona and Sherwood Park. The pinnacle of her career was serving as the principal of Uncas Elementary (east of Sherwood Park), where she made a lasting impact on generations of students. Nadine cared deeply for each student, offering guidance, encouragement and support. Her patience, kindness and commitment earned her a reputation as a well-respected and much-loved educator in the school community.
Beyond her career, Nadine loved to travel. She traveled extensively, exploring Europe, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, Alaska, Central and South America, Greece, Jamaica, Hawaii, and Mexico. Each journey enriched her life, and she loved sharing stories of her adventures.
After retiring in 1994, Nadine embraced the snowbird lifestyle, splitting her time between the warm winters of Arizona and the familiar comforts of Edmonton in the summer. In 2017, she hung up her snowbird wings and settled in Edmonton.
Nadine will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and sense of humour. She loved to tell jokes and laughed easily and often. She touched our lives in ways that words cannot fully express, and she will be deeply missed.
In accordance with Nadine’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Sincere condolences to the Fodchuk family. I knew Nadine for over 60 and we had many memorable fun times together. She was my bridesmaid in 1967. What I admired most about Nadine was her many, many stories of life in general. An excellent teacher and highly admired by her students. She was my true friend and Wanda Batog’s too, and we shall miss her dearly. 😍
Elsie Stannard
Sincerest condolences to family and friends. Mrs Fodchuck was a great mentor and wonderful example for so many students. I was always struck by her many fine examples of structure and fairness.. and a glimmer of her sence of humour was a really lovely balance.
Nadine’s smile, colourful jokes and kind ways brightened the days for so many at the Dr. Gerald Zetter where she lived for the past few years. Rest in peace, Nadine.
Good Morning Roy and Helen….please accept my condolences on your loss of both Nadine and Mary. If I remember correctly there was a longtime relationship between your family and Rosie’s (Philipzyk)…. With George dating Mary, and Rosie and Helen in nursing school together….and all of you growing up together in Athabasca. Rosie often spoke very fondly of that relationship. Allan McKenzie
I am very sorry to hear about Nadine’s passing. She was a wonderful friend. We had a great time in Arizona for many years. Also in Alberta. Nadine is now at peace. I will miss our pone calls.
My Deepest Sympathy to the family
Nadia Lind
I will always remember that lovely smile. Condolences to the whole family.
Cathy (Victor Molofys youngest daughter)
I was a student at Uncas during Ms. Fodchuk’s time there as principal. She was a fantastic leader for the school and instilled good qualities in every student she encountered. Rest easy.
My sincere sympathy Helen and Roy, to you and your families. I remember Nadie as the little sister, always grinning and full of fun. How wonderful that she filled her life with such service to kids but also treated herself to seeing the world. It sounds like she never lost that smile. My thoughts and love are with you. Gail Pratt Johnston
I first met Nadine as a colleague at Sherwood Heights School in 1964 during my first year of teaching. Nadine starting teaching in 1960, so she was already an experienced teacher and a bit of a mentor for me. Nadine was not only an excellent teacher but she also excelled in curling. I curled as well and both of us became long time school administrators, so we had much in common.
I am so sorry to learn that Nadine has passed away. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the entire Fodchuk family. May she rest in peace.
Mas Okamura
Our hearts and thoughts are with Nadine’s family during this time of grieving Please know that you are not alone in remembering a well respected and wonderful educator who meant so much to us and her students.
Elk Island Retired Teachers Association
Our hearts and thoughts are with Nadine’s family during this time of grieving. Please know that you are not alone in remembering Nadine, a well respected and wonderful educator that meant so much to the members of the Elk Island Retired Teachers Association.
Bob was assistant principal with Nadine at Uncas. They worked well together and had many laughs. Our sincere condolences to Nadine’s family.
Bob & Joyce Henning
I lost contact with Nadine somehow, something I regret. She was a very good friend to me when I was a young teacher. She came to my rescue more than once, and was so much fun. My sympathy to her family and friends. Sandra Janzen