Vivian Irene Babiuk

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Vivian Irene Babiuk on Friday December 23, 2016 at the age of 88 years.  Vivian was born on May 27, 1928, in Lisieux, Saskatchewan.  She was predeceased by her husband Eugene (Jerry) Babiuk, by her parents, Laura Champagne and Azellus Brûlé, brothers Marcel (Eva) Brûlé and Ron (Jean) Brûlé, and sisters Yvonne (Art) Chrétien and Jeanette (Marcel) Tougas.  Vivian is survived by her brother-in-law, Harry Babiuk (Ruth); children, Gary Babiuk, Gail (Kelvin) Stevens, Wade Babiuk (Brenda), and Paulette Babiuk; her sisters Betty Brûlé and Aurore Brûlé; and sister-in-law, Eva (Marcel) Brûlé; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; as well as numerous nephews and nieces.  Vivian lived her early life in Lisieux and later attended high school in Forget, Saskatchewan.  She arrived in Moose Jaw in 1943 to live with her mother.  She began working as a waitress at the National Café and very quickly moved to the CPR Dining Room.  This is where she met her husband Jerry Babiuk, who worked for the CPR.  They were married in 1947 and built their home at 341 Lillooet Street and lived there for 67 years.  Following the passing of her husband, Vivian moved to Caleb Village.  Vivian worked as a waitress at the Grand Hall for over 20 years and then as a cashier at the South-Hill Co-op.  But most of her time was spent creating a warm and inviting home and caring for her family.  Vivian’s and Jerry’s home on Lillooet Street was the gathering place for many family celebrations and the meeting place for family traveling and vacations.  Vivian loved to travel.  She visited Australia, Hawaii, Scandinavia, England, and made an extended visit with Jerry to the Ukraine, Jerry’s boyhood home.  Jerry and Vivian also travelled extensively by car and explored most of the United States and Canada.  Even a Sunday drive in the country was a joy for Vivian.  She also enjoyed playing cards, especially with family and if you arrived at their home around noon, Vivian and Jerry would be playing a few hands before lunch.  They both enjoyed visiting casinos around the country and their visits to Vegas.  But what she loved most was her grand and great-grandchildren.  She was so proud of their accomplishments.  She worked very hard creating a loving and abiding home that they would visit often.  She travelled to participate in their graduations, dance performances, sporting events and weddings.  She, along with Jerry, were the solid foundation for their family.  Their passing has created an empty space in our hearts and they will be sorely missed.  The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, December 30th, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Aidan Anglican Church, 124 1st Ave NE, Moose Jaw, SK.  Reverend Deacon Arleen Champion will officiate and interment will follow at Rosedale Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Vivian’s name may be made to Doctors Without Borders, Suite 402 – 720 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5S 2T9 or the Moose Jaw Health Foundation 55 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw, SK S6J 0C2.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  James Murdock, Funeral Director 306-693-4550