NELLIE JAKUBOWSKI

SKI
It is with gratitude for a long life that the family of Nellie (Nastatia) Jakubowski announce her passing on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at the age of 106. One of five children, she was born on Dec 31, 1919, to John and Wasylena Zaychuk in Pohortowetz district South of Sheho, Saskatchewan. She attended school there and later worked for farming families in the community. A pioneer in her own right, she embarked on a new adventure traveling East and settling here in Fort William, now Thunder Bay. It was here that she met and married Vincent, a recent arrival from Poland and began their family. Life initially began in their residence in the East End, with a move later to the outskirts of the city where they built a new home and continued raising their family.

Nellie had many pleasures but her greatest and of most importance was family. She sacrificed for and poured all her love into her children and grandchildren who knew her as Baba. She thoroughly enjoyed anytime that she was able to spend with them.

She had a love for traveling which took her back out west to visit and attend various family events. Most exciting to her was when she discovered newfound family in Los Angeles, California who welcomed her and had her experience visits to Las Vegas as well as visits with family in Argentina.

Nellie was passionate about passing on her Ukrainian Culture and traditions to the next generation, especially at Christmas and Easter celebration. She excelled at cooking and baking all the traditional Ukrainian dishes from paska, babka, and medivnyk to perohy and houlbtsi. Her ability to do this on her own was "mind boggling".

She moved gracefully into retirement leaving behind her an impeccable reputation as a Domestic Worker and later that of short order cook in the cafeteria at Confederation College.

Nellie loved gardening - a passion she had and all the family reaped the rewards. She assisted when called upon to help out at functions at the Canadian Legion 149. Her love of Bingo was demonstrated by her weekly attendance at the Church Hall where even the minimal win was extraordinary for her.

Faith was part of her daily life and she knew and felt that God was with her wherever she went. She was a beautiful, kind, caring and generous lady. No words can describe how dearly she will be missed by her family. She will continue to be an inspiration of strength and commitment to those who were close to her.

Nellie was predeceased by her parents John and Bella Zaychuk, her husband Vincent, and siblings George (eldest) as well as sisters Pearl Bezborotko, Mary Skehar, Anne Skehar and their spouses.

She leaves to mourn her passing and rejoice in her memory sons: Edward, Larry (Pat), Phil and daughter Holly Lynn. Also surviving are grandchildren: Wayne, Heather, Aaron, Megan, as well as great grandchildren Taylor, Hailey, Kingston and Cashlynn along with their family's, numerous nieces, nephews and meaningful friends like Paul and Shelagh.

The family of Nellie would like to extend our gratitude for the care over the years that the following health caregivers have provided: Dr. Mary Valente, Dr. Gleason, and Dr. Heather McLean, along with the special praise to the caregivers who supported her and provided comfort. It is important to note here that Nellie received the best care possible at Hogarth Riverview Manor where the staff and managers Caitlin and Kylie all warmed up to her uncomplaining and pleasant presence

Vichnaya Pamyat!
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 2:00 pm in the Church of the Holy Cross, 415 Victoria Avenue W. Interment to follow in Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Church of the Holy Cross or St. Joseph's Foundation would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Blake Funeral Chapel, 200 May Street S.

On-line condolences may be made at www.blakefuneralchapel.com