Obituary of Amelia Anna Uchacz

UCHACZ, Amelia - On August 5, 1931, Amelia (Wichora) Uchacz began her journey upon this earth until the Lord took her to be with Him on February 24, 2023.

Born in Fort William, Ontario, now known as Thunder Bay, life would prove to be challenging at times but through it all she never lost her spirit and her humour.

She would marry Jarloslav (Jerry) Uchacz in 1952 and would have three children, Julianna (Walter) Czekurlon, Peter (Helen) Uchacz and Myron Uchacz. Together they would bless her with 7 grandchildren , Natalya (Devin) and Vanessa Uchacz, Daniel (Kristi) Uchacz, Ashley (Tim) Janssens, Stephen Uchacz (deceased), Michael (Kelly) and Nick Czekurlon. She was GB (Great Baba) to 7 great grandchildren, Aria, Sawyer, Isla, Cece, Deacon, Avery and Isabelle. She was pre-deceased by her mother, brother and two sisters. She will be missed by extended family here in Canada and in Ukraine.

Most of her life was spent in Thunder Bay where, working long hours alongside her husband, she helped establish a very successful business, Jerry’s Meat Market. 

She was proud of her Ukrainian heritage being involved in the church using her beautiful voice in church choir as well as the Ukrainian woman’s choir. She was a great cook and baker, renowned for her butter tarts. A talented gardener, establishing huge vegetable gardens and surrounding the home with magnificent flower beds. Her love of animals started at a young age and continued throughout her life, including many years tending to a variety of animals on the family hobby farm. 

Following the death of her husband in 2001, Amelia moved to Sarnia, Ontario. There with the help of her daughter Julie and her husband Walter, she began a new independent life. She found new connections and friendships through St George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church and the White Cane Society. Despite her impaired vision, she enjoyed bowling becoming top bowler in a local tournament.

Her loving spirit and great sense of humour often left us wondering what she would do or say next! She was adopted by many as “their mom” because she was so easy to love. She will be sadly missed by many.

In December of 2021, she found a new home at Brookside Retirement Living in Watford. It was no surprise that her positive outlook helped her make new friends very quickly. Special thanks for the wonderful residents and staff for the friendship and care you gave to this special lady. 

A special thanks to Dr. Kim and the palliative team that proved invaluable, allowing her to remain at Brookside as long as possible. Thank you to the St Joseph’s Hospice which lovingly cared for her during her remaining days.

Visitation at the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 Christina St. N., Sarnia, on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. with Panakhyda at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1045 Rosedale Ave., Sarnia. Interment St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery, Thunder Bay. As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to Brookside Retirement Living, 7835 Confederation Line, Watford, N0M 2S0 or Maple Hope Foundation, (for medical aide and assistance in the Ukraine) www.maplehopefoundation.org/donate/.  Messages of condolence & memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com