Obituary of Sophie Byra

Obituary Sophie Byra, nee Hetman, was born in Libova, Austria on September 25, 1910. Her family immigrated to Canada when she was six months old and they settled in Poplarfield, Manitoba. Sophie married Bill Stasiuk in 1928, and they moved to North Pine in 1930. The 30's were the depression years and times were very hard. When Bill eventually decided to return to Manitoba, Sophie chose to stay on in North Pine with their two children. She later met Frank Byra and they made a life together; raising nine children, and developed the homestead into three-quarters section farm. They moved north to what later became Prespatou in 1955, and ranched there until 1967, when Fank's poor health made retirement necessary. They returned to live in North Pine for three years, then moved down to Castlegar in 1969. Sophie soon developed a beautiful garden and orchard that became her pride and joy. Her husband, Frank, passed away in 1991. Independently, Sophie continued to tend and cherish her garden and her family. When her own health began to fail in 2001, Sophie returned to Fort St. John and lived in the Peace Lutheran apartments with the love and support of those family members who lived nearby. She took great pride and joy in continuing her gardening skills, creating the lovely outdoor garden on the 4th floor of Apartment Building 1 - a place for all to enjoy. Sophie loved to bake and it was a rare guest to leave her home without the gift of a pie, pyrogies or a loaf of homemade bread. Sophie filled her hours crocheting slippers and afghans for all of her vast family. Sophie was predeceased by her husband, Frank, her oldest daughter Josephine, two sons; Edward and Tony and two infant daughters. She leaves to cherish her memory, her children Caroline, Frances, Lloyd (Iris), Bea (Doug), Leon (Debbie) and Julie (Ian), 36 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren. Sophie loved and guided, scolded and praised, and educated all four generations of her descendants with her unique, hard-learned wisdom, and he presence will be greatly missed. Sophie's legacy remains in our hearts. Services