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Makar, Annie nee Borovetz

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Annie Makar Pictures

Annie Makar of Maloy, AB, daughter of Maria and Alex Borovetz, was born in Lebliniec Novay, now a Polish border town close to the Ukraine. In an area of competing political empires, her father saw no future in the region and in 1929, set out to settle in the USA. He was refused entrance and proceeded to Canada. After he settled in NE Alberta, Annie, then age 9, immigrated to Canada with her mother and older sister in 1937, travelling to England and then on to Canada via Canadian Pacific Steamship.The Borovetz family settled in Maloy close to the Makar family where Annie met Harry Makar, who she married in 1947. Despite acquiring Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) at age 21, enduring the most crippling effects of the disease from age 21 to 30, Annie died of natural causes at age 92. She had few pain-free days. Annie is part of an era of pioneer women. In her time, Maloy had a one room school and a Post office. She often reminisced about walking to at a rural corner 2 miles from her home where she met her friend, Rosie and they would walk another mile together to attend Maloy school each day. As a child, amongst many other technological changes, she witnessed transport evolve from horsepower to vehicle, dramatically changing farm practices. At the time she started her own family, the discovery of Leduc Nbr 1, made possible the use of oil and propane, to provide heat and to fuel cooking stoves. Other than that, households had few labour-saving devices. Water was retrieved from underground wells, clothes were washed using a ringer washing machine and hung outside to dry. Much food was farm sourced. Yet with hired help, meals were wholesome, cleanliness impeccable and education for her children was her highest priority. Annie and Harry were married for 65 years. Together, with other local land-owners, they continued the building of a supportive and generous community. Record’s illustrate countless volunteer hours, to the Maloy Community Club, incorporated in 1924 as non-profit society for the purpose of helping the less fortunate.Their membership lasted 49 years - 1946 to its dissolution in 1995. Within one year of joining, both were involved in executive roles with multiple re-elections right to the club’s dissolution. Fundraising events included live-band dances and card game competitions, with proceeds donated each year, to neighbouring Districts’ senior centres, the Goodridge Social & Agricultural Society, the Glendon Hospital and to families in distress. Current currency equivalent, donations for 1967 equated to over $10,000. One cannot underestimate the pain RA causes, and what Annie endured with Harry at her side, to provide us and her grand children the best life experiences possible, and still be a contributor to the community. Annie (Mother, Baba, Great-Baba, Sister, Auntie/Chocha, Cousin) – left behind family and friends who felt her love every day. We will all miss her dearly. Annie was predeceased by her husband, Harry; Son David William; Parents Maria and Alex, and Sister, Nancy Pshyk. She is survived by her sister, Mary Laniuk. Son, Steve (Trudy) and Daughter, Irene (John R. McDougall). 4 grandchildren, Ryan Makar (Tess Vicars), Kyle Lepage, Jarett Makar, Alissa Makar (Dave Macdonald). 2 great-grand children, Wade and Bryn Macdonald. And numerous extended family members. Covid restricted funeral. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Rheumatoid society. https://albertarheumatology.com/

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