With deepest sorrow, the family of Ann Fominoff would like to announce her passing on Saturday October 8, 2016.
Ann was born on August 9, 1938 in Thrums, B.C. to parents John and Lucy Savinkoff. She was the eldest of 3 siblings.
When she was a young child, her family moved to Pass Creek BC for a short time, then to Passmore BC. In her youth, Ann worked picking fruit at orchards in Creston and the Okanagan, as well as in a cannery and at a store in the Fraser Valley.
In 1962, her family participated in the Doukhobor trek to the coast. During this time, she got to know a young man she had previously met even more. His name was Tim Fominoff, and they were married on August 6, 1964 in Agassiz, B.C. Their mutual love of music was the glue that binded them together through 50 years of marriage to come. After having their first two daughters, they spent a decade of memorable years living in Agassiz with family and friends as neighbors, many musical gatherings, and a strong sense of community spirit. In 1972, The growing family moved to the Kootenays, where they would soon be blessed with the surprise arrival of two more daughters – identical twins! In 1975, the young family of 6 then moved to their newly built home in the New Settlement. This is where they set down roots and continued to raise their family. They would both live out their days there.
Ann and her husband Tim enjoyed singing and having their family join them in song throughout their lives together. Ann continued to be an active member of many choirs throughout the years. Her family will never forget her lovely voice. Ann enjoyed cooking, gardening and tending to her flowers. She also canned, sewed clothing for her children, crocheted, knitted and embroidered. She always took pride in her home and enjoyed decorating with bold colours, patterns, and prints. This was also reflected in her stylish fashion choices. Ann was known for her friendly gentle nature and kind heart, making many friends throughout her life. She had a positive attitude, always saw the good in others, and had strong faith and respect for her Doukhobor culture and heritage.
Ann was predeceased by her grandparents, her parents John and Lucy Savinkoff, her brother Johnny Savinkoff, infant twin siblings, her Uncles and aunties Bill and Mary Voykin, Fred and Helen Voykin, Nick and Katie Voykin and Uncles Sam and Steve Savinkoff, Auntie and uncle Anastasia and John Tarasoff, and her father and mother-in-law Savely and Florence Fominoff, as well as sister-in-law Helen Fominoff, sister and brother-in-law Vera and John Popoff, her niece, Marie Popoff-Salikin, and her nephews, Johnny Popoff & Alex Popoff.
Ann is survived by; daughters Valentina (Len) Loukianoff and family, Galena (Tim) Hadikin and family, Vera (Terry) Soukeroff and family, Luba (Jason) Strelaeff and family; 14 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, her brother Peter Savinkoff, sister-in-law Laura Savinkoff, brother and sister-in-law Cecil & Mary Fominoff ; numerous nieces and nephews whom she adored, also many cousins, extended family, and dear friends. She loved them all with her whole heart.
May she rest peacefully in Heaven above. We will always remember her with everlasting love.
A traditional Doukhobor service was held on October 16th and 17th, 2016 in Krestova, BC. With interment at Krestova Cemetery.
We the family of Ann Fominoff would like to express our gratitude to everyone who has helped and shown care and concern. Thank you to the Crescent Valley first responders, paramedics, the compassionate staff at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital and the caring staff at Talarico place. Thank you to Dr. Scotland, Dr. Smart, Dr. Kozak, Dr. Lesperance and Dr. Sithembu for your care throughout the past years. Thank you relatives, friends and neighbors for all of the phone calls, messages, flowers, food, cards, prayers, words of sympathy and support, memories shared, offers of help, donations and to everyone who came to visit.
Thank you to Harry Zeabin, Leonard and Valerie Balchewski, Nellie Babakieff and Margaret Boulin and the Krestova ladies cooking group, Christine Kooznetsoff and the Lapsha Ladies group, the Kootenay Psalmists, as well as Nicholas and Wendy Fominoff of Fomi’s Bakery. Thank you to the Apple Guy and Staff. Thanks to Kootenay Floral for such a beautiful bouquet. Thank you to the grave diggers, clean-up crew, George Swetlikoff, and to all who were able to attend the services. Thank you J.J. Verigin and family for your kind and comforting words. Also, a very big thank you to Bill Strilaeff, Sid Malakoff and Staff of the Castlegar Funeral Chapel for your guidance and support.
Please excuse us if we have left anyone out. We greatly appreciate all of the assistance and kindness that we have received during this difficult time.
From the bottom of our hearts, may God bless you all!
~The Family of Ann Fominoff