Mrs. Fern Anita Melnychuk (née Benson)  

Please join us as we journey back through the years to honour Mom and celebrate the beautiful life that  shaped us into who we are today. Come laugh with us, cry with us, and take a gentle walk down memory  lane as we reflect on the moments, stories, and love that defined her. Today, we honour not just the end of an  era, but the beginning of a new chapter, one where we, her family, now carry the torch she so faithfully held.  May her light, her love, and her incredible legacy continue to burn brightly through each of us.  

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved mom, granny, ol’granny, sister, mother-in-law,  auntie, and friend, Fern Anita Melnychuk.  

Mom would often say, “One of these days I’m just going to fly away,” and fly away she did. At the age of 86 on  November 3rd, 2025, mom peacefully breathed her last breath, and flew away from home, as she had hoped and  prayed.  

Mom was born on December 23rd, 1938, in Elk Point, Alberta, to Delima Nolin (Bolduc) and Henry Benson. She grew up in Onion Lake, Saskatchewan, surrounded by her ten siblings, all of whom she loved dearly. She has  now been reunited with all of them except for her sister Rema and brother Dean, who remain from the Benson clan.  

Mom came from a heritage rich in French, Norwegian, Scottish, English, Cree, and Ojibwa — proudly  identifying as Métis. She often said with pride that the blood of many nations flows through our veins and  affectionately referred to her unique blend of nationalities and cultures as a “Heinz 57 brand.”  

Mom shared in her family album that her knowledge of God began at an early age. Her sister Cora would  gather all the siblings in the corner of the living room to share and read Bible stories, and they attended  church whenever possible. After learning the Ten Commandments at about seven years old, Mom felt it was  not right to lie, cheat or steal, but instead to live a moral life and go to church. She often said she wasn’t  perfect, but it was always her heartfelt desire to do what was right.  

During her younger years, between the ages of 13 and just shy of her 16th birthday, Mom spent nearly three years in  a sanatorium in Edmonton, Alberta, receiving treatment for tuberculosis. She faced her illness with incredible  bravery, though its effects remained with her for the rest of her life. Living with COPD and only half a lung on each  side, we never heard her complain, not even to her last breath. Those long and trying years shaped her strength,  deepened her faith, and formed the quiet resilience that became the very foundation of who she was.  

From what Mom shared, the hardest part of being hospitalized was not the treatments, but the goodbyes. While she  cherished every visit from her family, the moment they left it would tear at her heart, leaving her to face the long,  lonely days confined mostly to her hospital bed. Her treatments were painful and invasive, including air being forced  into her chest through a port in her side which was to help her lungs rest. She endured it all with courage and grace.  Though she rarely spoke of it, we always knew those years were difficult, and they revealed the quiet heroism that  would define her life… Our mom, Our hero!  

Despite the challenges of her time in the hospital and the years of formal schooling she missed, Mom proudly  graduated from junior high at age 17, earning her highest marks in math. When she spoke about her education, she  would often say, “I loved school and wanted to be a nurse.” She continued into Grade 10, but her studies ended  partway through when something else captured her attention and her heart. Though she never graduated from high  school, Mom often reflected that her truest education and wisdom came not from textbooks, but from a lifetime of  learning through experience, adversity and perseverance.  

Mom grew up with music in her soul. Many of her siblings played instruments, and every family reunion  overflowed with song, laughter, and dancing. The Benson gatherings were legendary, a lively chorus of fiddles,  guitars, keyboard and voices harmonizing in love and joy. With a family that large and personalities bigger than life,  one might have expected conflict, but somehow, they always set their differences aside. What united them was far stronger: a bond woven through music, laughter, and an unspoken love that was both joyful and precious. Thank you  to the Benson clan who united us all and gave us a rich heritage and lasting memory of what family is truly about.  

It was music, in fact, that played a part in mom’s own love story. In December of 1956, Mom went to see a  handsome steel guitar player on what began as a simple blind date, and soon she fell in love with what has  affectionately became her “Some-Buddy.” 

On November 9th, 1957, Mom married our dad, Orest (“Buddy”) Melnychuk, and together they built a beautiful  life on the family farm in Norma, Alberta. They went on to have four children: Mark (born 1958), Laurel (born  1960), Nydrie (born 1962), and Derek (born 1964).  

Looking back on our life on the farm in Norma, one might think we were living in the early 1900’s; a small two bedroom house built by Dad’s grandfather, a scary dirt-floor basement, no running water, an outdoor toilet, and the  Saturday night weekly bath in a small round basin filled with water Mom had heated on the propane stove. We were  cleaned and ready for Sunday morning church service. Depending on when you were in line to take a bath, the last  person was always left with the cold, grey water. Somehow, though, we children never knew life could be any other  way. We were always well dressed, fed good home-cooked meals, and greeted after school with fresh-baked  cookies, a glass of milk, and the comforting smell of a clean home.  

Then, in 1967, tragedy struck when a devastating fire destroyed our farm, consuming the chicken and turkey  barns that were the heart of our livelihood. That night remains forever etched in our memories — the sights, the  sounds, and the unbearable smell of burning feathers, with smoke so thick it filled our little old home. We can still  remember holding blankets over our faces, trying not to breathe in the suffocating smoke. How Mom and Dad faced  and overcame that tragedy was nothing short of a miracle — though it would not be the first of many hardships our  family would endure together.  

Eventually, we left the hamlet of Norma and the people who had shaped our early years, relocating to Gibbons,  Alberta. The transition took months while Dad, along with a hand-picked crew of his own, built a new barn on an  acreage that was called Pine Grove. During that time, Mom stayed behind in Norma long enough so that we (Mark,  Laurel, and Nydrie) could complete our school year in Hairy Hill, while Derek, just four years old, remained at  home by mom’s side.  

We often wonder if Mom truly knew what she was getting into when our family made the big move. We lived in a  twelve-foot black-and-white plywood trailer, complete with a hole in the ground that was used as our refrigerator.  Our “upgrade” in life was a two-seater outhouse — because apparently, no one should ever have to go to the  bathroom alone. Talk about family bonding! 

Nothing was more exhilarating than the feel of a shiny Sears catalogue between your cheeks, which conveniently  served as both reading material, a Christmas wish book, and toilet paper while you finished your business. At thirty  below, it was downright invigorating! We like to say we were environmentally conscious long before it was popular,  we could only hope for a little global warming back then.  

And, of course, there was always the lurking fear of squirrels looking for nuts in the outhouse, especially troubling  for the men in our family. However, there was no competition when Derek and Mark went together… since Derek  confirmed his hadn’t dropped yet.  

Before we had a water-well drilled, we still had “running water” — the kind we had to run to the neighbours for. We  lived like this while the new barn was being built, and once it was finished, we upgraded again — this time to a  bedroom inside the barn. By day, our living was in the trailer, and by night we rested our heads in the chicken barn.  Looking back, we might have been ahead of our time, possibly the first family to pioneer the modern  “barndominium.” 

In fact, the very first home we built together as a family would now be considered a “tiny home” — a one-bedroom  house for all six of us, complete with a Murphy bed. Yet despite those humble surroundings, Mom was truly the hostess with the mostest. She could make any meal taste gourmet, feed a crowd with whatever she had on hand, and  somehow never run out. If character is shaped by challenge, then hers was forged with grace, humour, and strength,  and not once did she ever complain.  

It was during those early years that we learned what hard work truly meant; to push ourselves, to persevere,  and to do everything with the best of intentions and, truth be told, the fear of a good whoop’n was always a strong  motivator. It was also during that time that we faced one of life’s hardest lessons. After months of building and  finally receiving our first batch of chickens, thirteen thousand of them, we were just thirty hours away from  receiving our first much-needed payment. Mom and Dad decided to treat us kids to a rare evening out for supper in  Edmonton, a well-earned break after all the long days and nights of work. We were ecstatic! But while we were  away celebrating, tragedy struck once again: the power went out, the fans stopped, and all thirteen thousand  chickens suffocated.  

We still remember the panic and heartbreak in Mom’s eyes as she desperately tried to save the chickens, even  attempting to breathe life back into the lifeless birds with her own hands and breath. There was no insurance, and the  loss was devastating. Yet somehow, Mom and Dad found the strength to carry on. Together, they rebuilt, and in time  ran a thriving farming business that produced millions of chickens and turkeys.  

We could not have done it without the help, dedication, and hard work of many hands, most notably the  Greschuk family: Mrs. Greschuk, Bill, Roman, Kaz, and Mike. The boys were like family, their friendship, loyalty,  and countless hours of labour helped turn hardship into hope. We remain forever grateful for the memories and the  bond we shared during those years.  

In addition to farming, Fern and Buddy were actively involved in the construction industry, building countless  family homes, barns, and shops across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Oregon. Ever resourceful and determined, they  also owned and operated a successful screen door company for many years.  

Throughout the years, our family experienced many highs and lows, moments of challenge and moments of  triumph. Yet through it all, Mom and Dad remained our stability, our constant, and the foundation on which our  family was built  

Constantly on her toes and endlessly busy, Mom embraced every challenge that came with raising two boys and  two girls. She dedicated herself to all our activities, piano lessons, Ukrainian dance, Girl Guides, cadets, and nearly  every school sport and event imaginable: basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, baseball, football, hockey, wrestling,  soccer, swimming, art lessons, track and field, ski lessons and ski trips. She supported us in everything life had to  offer and somehow managed to be our cheerleader, biggest fan and chauffeur long before the days of “Uber.”  

We also grew up with a deep appreciation for animals, thanks to Mom and Dad, who turned our homestead into an  old “McDonald’s Farm.” It included pet pigs, goats, sheep, guinea pigs, ducks, geese, cats, squirrels, beloved  horses, and of course, our faithful collie dog, Rex.  

Family trips were abundant and filled with adventure. Our yearly vacations to the mountains became treasured  traditions, and we also journeyed to Disneyland, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, World Fairs, Butchart  Gardens, Klondike Days, the Grand Ole Opry, and New York City. Mom and Dad’s travels eventually took them  across many regions of the United States, as well as to Israel, Russia, and many other parts of the world. Together,  they joined Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in Texas and Hawaii, and over the years they supported and worked  with various ministries, including helping to build Brightwood Youth Ranch, west of Edmonton.  

Mom had many passions and gifts. She was an exceptional seamstress, creating most of her own clothing in her  younger years. She also had a deep love for flowers and floral arranging; Mom could turn any house into a home in  no time with her decorating flair and creative touch. She was, by far, one of the best cooks we ever had the privilege  of experiencing, and because of her, all of us children learned to cook with both flair and taste. 

Though Mom was not Ukrainian by heritage, she somehow managed to have a little Ukrainian in her at least four  times that we can confirm! She graciously embraced the culture that dad came from, mastering all the traditional  Ukrainian dishes — lovingly taught to her by our dad’s mother, our beloved Baba. In turn, she passed those recipes  down to her children and grandchildren, a tradition that continues to this day.  

Most of us knew Mom as a fierce competitor at any game you put in front of her, especially Crib and  Mexican Train that she enjoyed playing. Even right up to the final week of her life, she took great pride in  winning, bragging about “the smell of victory” as she laughed about leaving her opponents behind the skunk  line. But if the tables turned and she happened to be the one losing, you could expect the famous “stink eye”,  followed by her pointing toward the door and teasing us to leave. 

At age 39, Mom had a life-changing spiritual experience when she accepted Jesus into her heart. From that  moment on, there was a renewed ardency to make Him Lord and Saviour of her life. This awakening brought  with it a deep desire for scripture reading and Bible study, and a profound realization that all mankind is in  need of a Saviour. 

John 14:6“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him  should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  

When most thought that Mom and Dad were finally ready to retire, they instead found a new purpose; one  born out of compassion, faith, and a desire to give back. Through Mark’s journey of addiction, struggle, and  redemption, and his renewed faith and commitment to God, he was inspired to help others by opening his  first sobriety home in Edmonton, Harmony House, in 2013. With Mom and Dad’s unwavering prayers,  encouragement, and hands-on support, that vision grew to include homes for both men and women in need.  Together, they created places of hope, healing, and transformation for countless lives, a living legacy of love  and faith that continues to this day. 

Mom was predeceased by her beloved husband, Orest “Buddy” Melnychuk-our dad, and her eldest son,  Mark, our brother, both of whom we lost on the same day, September 3, 2021. She overcame everything that  life brought her: from her early years of illness to the challenges of farm life, to that heartbreaking day of loss. Yet  through it all, her unwavering faith in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, sustained her.  

She is lovingly remembered by her children Laurel (Phillip McDavid), Nydrie (Scott) Edwards, and Derek  (Leanne) Melnychuk, who will forever cherish her stories, her laughter, her constant and faithful prayers, and her  enduring love. She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, who brought her immense  pride and joy, as well as countless friends and extended family who grew to love this special lady.  

A heartfelt thank-you to our sister Laurel and her partner Phillip, and to our cousin Cindy and her husband  Derek, for the countless hours of love, care, and compassion they devoted to Mom. Thank you also to all who took  the time to drop in for a visit, to sit with her, share stories, and remind her how loved she was. We would be remiss  not to also mention the mutual love Mom shared with Adrian, Amanda, Emily, John, James, Marie, Janelle, Baylee and Rhonda, whose kindness, visits, and attentive care meant so much to her over the past few years, always  checking in, sharing laughter, a good game of Crib or Mexican Train, and, of course, making sure she was drinking  her Boost. 

Mom was strong. She was smart. She was feisty. She was wonderful. She was a prayer warrior. She was gracious.  She was generous. She was hospitable. She was classy. She worked hard. She never complained. She was beautiful.  Mom wasn’t perfect, but she was ours.  

Proverbs 31:26–28 says “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches  over the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed.”

One of the things Mom will always be remembered for was standing at the window as we left, waving and  blowing kisses. It became a cherished family ritual, one we always reciprocated by turning on our interior car  lights, waving, and blowing kisses back. We often wondered if her time in the sanatorium made her sensitive to the pain of goodbyes, and if that was why she never truly wanted to say them. Instead, standing at the  window became her gentle way of saying, “I love you… until next time,” as she watched and waved until our  taillights disappeared into the distance.  

Her life was well lived and her purpose fulfilled. She leaves us with the eternal hope that all would come to the  saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that we may one day all be reunited with her in eternal life.  

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” 

Matthew 25:23 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 21st, 2025, at Church In The Vine, 12345 – 149 Street,  Edmonton, AB.  

 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. – Gathering begins, with an opportunity for reflection and viewing for those who wish.   1:00 – 2:30 p.m. – Celebration of Life Service.  

 2:45 p.m. – Final farewell ride as we lay Mom to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery.  

Following interment, please join us back at the church for coffee, tea, a light lunch, and fellowship as we share  memories and celebrate a life well lived.  

There will be a livestream available for those unable to attend in person.  Please click on the following link https://www.facebook.com/share/17fy6yYBg4/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a gift of love to Harmony House, which held a special place in Granny’s  heart as she had a passion for helping those recovering from addiction and needing a safe place to heal. Gifts can be  made to contribute@harmonyhouseyeg.com