Following a brief illness, Mrs. Stella Schmelinsky went home to be with the Lord on February 2, 2013. She was 97 years of age. Stephania (Pacholko) Schmelinsky, better known as Stella was born on November 15, 1915 in the Beaverdale district, the daughter of Matthew and Antonia (Kushko) Pacholko. As a young girl she attended Nanton School and helped on the family farm. She was a faithful member of St. Mary's Church in Beaverdale and also sang in the Church choir. In 1941 Stella was united in marriage to Nicholas Schmelinsky of Theodore where they made their home for two years. They relocated to Fort Frances, ON and later Finland, ON where they first worked in a hotel and later in pulp wood camps. In 1944 they returned to Saskatchewan and started up their own pulpwood camp north of Hudson Bay. Besides employing several workers, Stella served as the cook. In 1946 they closed down the camp and returned to Theodore. Stella then began working for Western Produce in Melville and later moving to Yorkton where she was employed at Yorkton Co-op grading eggs in the spring and weighing poultry in the fall. In 1959 Michael was born and Stella retired and became a fulltime mom. Stella enjoyed being a mother and gardening. In her spare time she made quilts and rugs. Stella also enjoyed crocheting, knitting sewing and decorating easter eggs. Her faith in God and constant praying were a very important part of daily life. She enjoyed her bike and playing with her dogs. Predeceased by her beloved husband Nicholas, her parents Matthew and Antonia, brothers Steve, Anton, Nick and Matthew and sisters Minnie, Julia and Kay. She leaves to cherish her memory her son Michael (Linda), granddaughter Nicole (Ryan) and his daughter Alyssa; sister Mary Bogutski, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. Prayers were held on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home with Rev. Father Methodius Kushko, C.Ss.R. officiating. Ed Pindus, the cantor led in the responses. The Funeral Service was held on Friday, February 8, 2013 at St. Mary The Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Theodore with Very Rev. Father Mel Slashinsky officiating. The cantor was William Kozey and crossbearer - Nicole Huber / Ryan Hall. The interment followed in the Theodore Town Cemetery with Darryl Pacholko, Tom Malinowski, David Malinowski, Ivan Sereda, Crystal Bailey and Leonard Varga serving as the casket bearers. Memorials in Stella's name may be made to the S.P.C.A. or a Christian Charity of Choice as gifts of remembrance. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.
