Pauline Tkachuk

Pauline was born in Prince Albert, SK on February 5, 1931 and peacefully passed away in Calgary, AB on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 94 years of age.

Pauline was the daughter of Frank Prokopie and Maria Molitwenik and the eldest of 8 children. She outlived, outplayed, and outlasted all but one surviving brother, Walter.

She was raised on the family farm, where she learned the value of hard work from a very young age. Her childhood was filled with daily chores and often caring for her younger siblings. She spoke often of her responsibilities with both determination and pride and could tell stories in detail right up until the day of her passing.

Despite the hard work, she described her childhood as rich with simple joys. She had strong friendships with her siblings Olga, Marie, Edith, Orest, Walter and Mike and was extremely close to her Auntie Vera who was her age. They worked and played hard together and had respect and love for each other up until the days they passed. It was a lifetime of shared love, laughter, and unwavering support. She shared a special love of horses with her father, a bond that remained close to her heart throughout her life.

In 1946, Pauline met John Tkachuk. Their love grew, and they were married on a sunny day on October 24, 1948. That fall, the couple moved to Toronto, where Pauline worked at Nielsen’s Chocolate Factory. In March of 1949, they returned to Saskatchewan and settled into a small two-room house on the Farm in Strong Pine.

Life was not easy in those early years as money was scarce, but Pauline and John worked hard and made do with what they had. They kept two cows and sold cream weekly to buy groceries and a tank of gas. They relied heavily on their garden and sold eggs to support their growing family. The farm had no power and only a well for water which made them appreciate life more as they aged.

Pauline and John were blessed with six children. Their son Gordon was born in 1949, followed by son Marvin in 1951, daughter Laura in 1953, and son Brian in 1955. Nine years later, their daughter Corrine was born in 1964. After the family moved into Prince Albert in 1967, they welcomed their youngest child, daughter Cheryl, in 1968.

Throughout her life, Pauline worked hard both at home and outside the home. She worked at the North Park Centre in various departments, but she often stated the sewing room was her favorite job. Pauline was employed at the Lions Nursing Home, later known as the Herb Bassett Home. She worked in Dietary, then Laundry, and later as a Nurses’ Aide until her retirement in 1996.

In May of 1998, Pauline lost her beloved husband of almost 50 years. Seven years later, at the age of 74, she bravely left her lifelong home of Prince Albert and moved to Calgary to be closer to her children. Fiercely independent, Pauline was not easily afraid of anything. She kept busy with reading, knitting, diamond art, word puzzles, playing card and board games. She loved her reality TV shows (Survivor, The Bachelor…) cooking, and baking. Entertaining friends and family were her specialty, and her freezer was legendary—so

packed that anyone stopping by could always count on a ‘Pauline Special,’ whether they were hungry… or even if they were NOT hungry. She zipped around Calgary as if she had lived there forever, finally conceding at the age of 90 that it was time to give up driving - an incredibly difficult step as it meant giving up some of her cherished independence.

Moving to Prince of Peace Village in Calgary proved to be a truly blessed decision. The companionship of the community and the kindness of her dear friends and neighbours meant so much to her and ensured she was never lonely. For their care and friendship, the family is eternally grateful. Pauline once said she hoped to be remembered as a good mother, friend, and neighbour. She truly will be.

In her 94 years of life, she sadly suffered many losses of family and friends. Pauline was predeceased by her beloved husband John in 1998.

Pauline couldn’t be prouder of all her family and the legacy she leaves behind. She spoke of her kids, grandkids and greats often and always told stories, often on repeat. Everyone knew her love was strong and unconditional. It was so easy to love her in return.

She leaves to mourn:

Her son Gordon (Marie), and their daughters Tricia and her children Bailey (Sam) and Tyson (Cambria), and Tennille (Colin) and their boys Miles and Owen;

her son Marvin (Lori) and their daughter Amanda (Eric) and their daughters Hannah and Gabrielle;

her daughter Laura (Ron) and their children Krista (Doug) and their daughters Quinn and Rowan;

Brett (Michelle) and their children Madelyn and Jack, and Allison (Brett) and their children Sydney and Beau;

her son Brian (Val) and his daughter Rikki (Matt) and their children Jon, Reese, and Caleb, and Rikki’s mother Iris;

her daughter Corrine (Dave) and their children Chase (Brandon), Dawson (Kayla), and Chelsea (Braydon); and her daughter Cheryl (Murray) and their children Mason (Ryan), Spencer, and Jayden (Walker). Special friends that became family: Ron and Joyce (Tanis and Jared), Merv & Vicki, the two Helens, and Brenda and Jeff.

Pauline’s family is aware that they lost their matriarch, knowledge keeper and a mom who loved each of them deeply. She will be immensely missed but her memories will live.

The family would like to thank unit 54 staff at PLC, support staff and especially Dr. Wakefield for the care and professionalism shown to Pauline in her last days.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Prince of Peace Manor, 300 Prince of Peace Way, Rocky View County, AB, on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Inurnment and Graveside will be held in late spring or early summer of 2026 in Prince Albert, SK.