Obituary of June Polishuk

As we consider our loss, we are both grateful for what life has provided and saddened by what life has taken away. Today we mourn the passing of Elva June Polishuk (nee Russell) who died peacefully on May 29, 2017 in Oshawa at the age of 86. We also take time to celebrate her life and the richness she brought to ours.

June was the beloved wife of the late Donald Polishuk and much loved daughter of her parents, the late Vera and Robert Russell.  She was a loving mother to Janice Newman and Lynne and Ross Girvan. June was also a cherished grandmother to Lindsay and Shaun and Brett and Janie and a devoted Gran to Reese, Emma, Seth and Tessa.  She was the dear sister of Donald (Elsie – deceased) and Arlene Russell of Laurel, Maryland, Robert Jr. and Donna (deceased) of Oshawa, Ontario.  She was loved and will be missed by many nieces and nephews and Wanesa Barr, a dear childhood friend.

Our sadness is tempered by the abundance of her love. Our mother taught us how to love others and how to value the joy of simplicity and the power in elegance. Her gift of listening gave comfort to all who crossed her pathway.

June epitomized the uncommon life so profoundly described in this way: An uncommon life means living with intention, paying attention, celebrating, taking care of yourself, risking love.  To live an uncommon life means to live large from the heart.[1]

Mom, as someone who has taught us what it means to live an uncommon life – large from the heart – may you now find a place for yourself in ours. We will not forget your innate kindness, your unconditional support and your enduring love.  You have touched so many lives that today you have managed to make our worlds smile again.

The Celebration of a Life-Well-Lived to take place Sunday, July 30, 2017, Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m with a Service to follow at 11:30 a.m at College Park S.D.A. Church, 1164 King Street East, Oshawa, ON, L1H 1H9. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Community Services Centre (where mom volunteered for many years) or to a charity of your choice.

[1] Quotation by Mary Anne Radmacher

*** The Adventist Community Services Center (ACSC) has been in operation for over 40 years. It is a community outreach ministry of the College Park Adventist Church in Oshawa, Ontario. The vast majority of our patrons (95% plus) are not affiliated with the College Park Adventist Church. ACS is a food and clothing bank which serves the Oshawa and Courtice communities. They are a registered not-for-profit community organization. They serve a diverse group of people in need in Oshawa and Courtice: single mothers, senior citizens, people with a variety of health issues on disability pensions, the “working poor”, and those on Ontario Works (social assistance), and new immigrants.