Ukrainian Culture Icon Elsie Kawulych Turns 90

Ukrainian Culture Icon Elsie Kawulych Turns 90

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

Elsie Kawulych who is known for preserving Ukrainian Culture in Vegreville and Area turned 90 on September 21, 2022.

A gathering of family and friends got together to celebrate Elsie’s 90th birthday at Elsie’s own home on September 22.

When Elsie was asked what she credited living to 90 to, she said, “I think you have to have faith in God. Then you have to work hard. I was also very active in my community and this kept me alive and useful. The love and support from my family and friends helped. I tell my children if I get tired of being alone, all I have to do is be at their place for a week and they always welcome me there. Also, since I am a home economist, I know nutrition and I followed good eating habit, as well as, I exercised where I have walked 2000 steps every morning up to July of 2022. As well, I garden and shovel the snow and do yard work.”

L-R: Elana Kawulych, Elsie Kawulych, Margaret Kawulych, Maria Kawulych. (Missing from photo are Elsie’s two sons: Douglas Kawulych and Bradley Kawulych.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photos)

Elsie has five children. Her two sons are Douglas Kawulych and Bradley Kawulych. Elsie’s daughters are Elana Kawulych, Margaret Kawulych, and Maria Kawulych. Elsie’s daughters offered some sentiments about their mother. Elana said her mother was friendly and inviting. “She always was willing to volunteer and she made a big impact on others’ lives. She always embraced her Ukrainian heritage background.”

Margaret said, “When I think of my mom, I think of all the things she has done; all the volunteer work and how much she has given to others her whole life. She had five children and had to do a bunch of stuff for us when she raised us and then she did so much for the community and with preserving and promoting the Ukrainian culture. She is so strong physically and mentally. I have always been so proud of her.”

Maria said her mother always thinks about other people. “She has this consideration of others and notices when someone has a need that she can help them with. She just does this naturally,” Maria added.

Elsie’s birthday cake.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photos)

Elsie’s biography states that she was born in Vegreville on September 21, 1932. One of her main careers was working as a District Home Economist. Elsie was really involved in her community and she did extensive volunteer work. A list of Elsie’s Official Honours and Awards are: 2013 – Received the award/designation, Member of The Order of Canada 2006 – Chosen to demonstrate Ukrainian cuisine at the Smithsonian Folk Festival in Washington, DC as part of the Alberta delegation. 2005 – Inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence 2005 – Awarded Alberta Centennial Medal 2003 – Received Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal 2002 – Volunteer of the Year for the Town of Vegreville and County of Minburn 2002 – Received 24K Gold pin for 1,000 volunteer hours of service at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village 1998 – Hetman Award from Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Branch 1991 – Chosen as the Hostess at the Vegreville Pysanka Festival 1989 – Alberta Achievement Award for outstanding volunteer contribution to Community 1986 – Duke of Edinburgh Service Award 1980’s – Long Service Award from Girl Guides of Canada 1980’s – Western Canada Representative to Quebec on a Unity Mission