MOOSE JAW — Christine Boyczuk, a well-known community volunteer involved in many groups ranging from literacy to seniors to students to the less fortunate and homeless, has died unexpectedly.
Mary Lee Booth, the board president of Square One Community Inc., a group with which Boyczuk volunteered, announced on Facebook that the latter had died on Feb. 12.
“Christine was one of the founding members of Square One Community and we will be forever grateful for the leadership, guidance, and mentorship she displayed while working to build this organization,” wrote Booth. “Though diminutive in physical size, Christine’s presence and her heart were HUGE. She was very responsive to community (members’) needs and recognized the plight of individuals who faced housing insecurity.”
Boyczuk had numerous connections in the community through service clubs, her church community and organizations. She was also a recipient of numerous community and provincial awards, including the 2018 Citizen of the Year, Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee medal (2002), Saskatchewan Centennial Medal (2005), and Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal (2019).
Boyczuk was well-known and respected for her contributions and had a gift for mobilizing the community, said Booth. Through her accomplishments and awards, the volunteer remained humble and consistently gave credit to the teams and others with whom she worked.
“Christine led through example and her demonstration of citizenship and service to others. Her love for children and her heart for vulnerable groups was evident in her work and life,” Booth added.
“Our hearts and thoughts are with Christine’s family and many friends during this difficult time. She has left a tremendous legacy in the Moose Jaw community and we will all share in the loss of an exceptional light in this world.”
A grieving daughter
Vanessa Boyczuk, Christine’s daughter, also posted an announcement online about her mother’s death.
“To say that we are devastated at her loss is an understatement. My kids and I, along with her extended family and friends, have lost one of the biggest, brightest lights in the smallest of packages,” Vanessa wrote.
“My mom was the heart of our family. A true gem that gave so much to so many, especially to me,” she continued. “For almost all of my childhood, she was a single mom to a girl that looked up to her and was so proud to call her mom. She was a force!
“She had energy galore, she was glitz, she was hip, she had the strongest of wills, spunk, a fantastic sense of humour (even when she blew the punch line),” Vanessa remarked. “I will miss all these traits along with her heart of gold, her cooking, her hugs, her smile, her laugh, her hospitality and her enormous amount love.”
Christine’s motto was “work together,” but work wasn’t work to her but her passion since she loved helping others and was a dedicated member of many volunteer groups, school boards and education, literacy programs, Optimist, Rotary, seniors, shelter programs and anything that benefited children and people in need, Vanessa continued.
“She always gave back to her community,” she added. “To those of you that crossed her path, I’m confident she touched your heart. I ask you to say a wee prayer for her, in your own way, and then go give your mom a hug if you can. Tell her how proud of her you are and that she is loved.”
Business community
Crystal Froese, board president of the Business Women of Moose Jaw (BWMJ), also posted a message on Facebook honouring Boyczuk’s life. She pointed out that Boyczuk was a 2016 recipient of the BWMJ PRISM Lifetime Achievement Award and was the keynote speaker during the 2019 PRISM awards.
“The PRISM Lifetime Achievement Award is given to a woman who demonstrates perseverance, is a role model, is influential, successful, and a mentor. She (Boyczuk) was all of this and so much more,” said Froese.
Froese recalled that Boyczuk was not only a mentor but also a friend who welcomed her into opportunities that helped her to learn and grow, while always guiding with kindness and wisdom. Furthermore, Boyczuk’s commitment to her community was unparalleled while she gave selflessly and always strove to make a difference for others.
“Christine’s passion for collaboration and engagement touched the lives of everyone she encountered. She worked tirelessly to bring people together, always looking for ways to make meaningful change,” said Froese. “Her spirit of kindness, leadership, and generosity will continue to resonate with all of us who had the privilege to know her.
“We will miss Christine’s wisdom, her kindness, and the way she made everyone feel valued. Christine’s legacy will live on in the work she has done, the lives she has touched, and the love she shared with all of us,” added Froese.
“Christine was a true leader, a guiding light for so many, and her impact on our community will never be forgotten.”
School division
In a statement, Joann Blazieko, board chairwoman of the Holy Trinity Catholic School Division, said, “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Christine Boyczuk, a dedicated and beloved member of the Holy Trinity Catholic School Division Board of Trustees.
“Christine served our community with unwavering commitment and faith, always striving to enhance the educational experience for all students,” Blazieko continued. “Her leadership, compassion, and dedication to Catholic education has left an indelible mark on our schools and communities.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Christine's family, friends, and all who were touched by her kindness and service. May they find comfort in the cherished memories and the legacy Christine leaves behind,” the board chairwoman added.
Rotary Club
In an online post, the Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow said, “Our Rotary family is deeply saddened by our club member Christine Boyczuk's passing. As a club, we extend our deepest sympathies to her family and loved ones.
“Our Club and our community have lost a very good friend. Christine's care, commitment and passion for life and love has touched us all. If ever ‘service above self’ was lived, it was in Christine. We will dearly miss her.”
Editor's note: This story will be continually updated to include comments from those who knew and worked with Christine Boyczuk.
