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March 12, 1930

– November 24, 2012


Heaven Drafted a

Good One!


Born to Sam & Dora Soukoroff in Pass Creek; predeceased by her father before birth then she lost her mother at the age of 9 months. Julia was raised by Uncle Fred and Aunt Anastasia Voykin in Southern Alberta. Thus she had 2 brothers, Sam & Alec Soukoroff and 5 cousins that she came to call brothers – Fred, Bill, John, Peter and Jim Voykin.


Julia first met Alex Saliken at a cousin’s birthday in 1948. They met again the following year; sparks flew and on September 30th, 1949, they were married in Lethbridge. They left the Crowsnest Pass for the Kootenays in 1952 with son Bill in tow. They eventually settled in Thrums in 1953. Daughters Lorna & Verna were born during the Thrums years. In 1966, the family moved to Nelson’s North Shore where they have lived since.


An extremely talented lady, Julia could knit, tat, crochet, embroider and sew clothing rather than buy it ready-made. Her Russian quilted blankets are more works of art than bed ware. There was also her gardening, and her green thumb became legendary. Plants simply responded to her touch and there are unconfirmed reports of her forcing blossoms from artificial plants.


A terrific cook & host, she could stretch a dinner for 5 into a full meal for 12 if the need arose. Generous to a tee, she made everyone who visited her home feel welcome. Julia, being raised in trying times and circumstances, embraced frugality and repurposing with vigor and relished being a stay-at-home mother. Above all else, she loved and valued her family.


She was predeceased by parents Sam & Dora Soukoroff, adopted parents Fred and Anastasia Voykin, brothers Sam and Alex Soukoroff, “brothers” Fred, Bill, Jim and John Voykin and nieces Katherine Moll, Elaine Zaitsoff and Sharon Voykin. Also by her parents-in-law, Tom and Mary Metelski, brother-in-law Fred Saliken, sister-in-law Polly Lebedoff and son-in-law Angelo Mastrobuono (2005).


Julia is survived by & assigned the task of carrying forward her excellent example to husband Alex Saliken, son Bill (Lori Brodie), daughters Lorna & Verna and grandchildren Francesca (Derek Wilkie), John, Maria (Mike Masztalar) & Ashley Mastrobuono. Also sister-in-law Mary Chernoff, adopted brother Pete (Zita) Voykin and step brother-in-law Stan (Rita) Metelski along with an extended family network of cousins, nieces and nephews that spans as far away as Georgia in the southern USA and New Zealand.


Saddened by the loss of Julia, family and friends are heartened by the fact that they got to share her qualities and attributes. Like a ship that has sailed beyond the horizon, she is still present, just beyond the constraints of direct sight.


“Save some chairs for the family

Have respect for the grieving

Julia was one of the best

So sorry to hear of her leaving”


A Funeral Service will be held at the Chapel of Thompson Funeral Service Ltd., 613 Ward Street, Nelson on Monday, December 3rd, 2012 at 11:00 AM with a reception to follow.

A public visitation will be held before the service at 9:30 AM.


Online condolences may be expressed at www.thompsonfs.ca

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Service Ltd.



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