Obituary of SISTER NATHANAEL PREYMA, SSMI

Sister Nathanael Preyma, a Sister Servant of Mary Immaculate, passed away peacefully at Bethany Home, Winnipeg, MB on March 17,2018. Natalia was born on April 29, 1923, in Sifton, MB, to John Preyma and Katherine (Sopel), second eldest of eight children. As a child, Natalia met the Sisters and in 1938, at the tender age of 15 she joined the community, professing her final vows in 1947. Her love for people, ability to find and bring joy, enabled Sister Nathanael to serve as a Sister Servant for 80 years.

Sister Nathanael generously served her people, church and community in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Manitoba, working with all ages. She taught children, cared for and created beauty in the sanctuary, prepared altar breads, was a Eucharistic minister, a cantor, worked with UCWLC and visited the sick. Her summers included catechism and camp throughout Canada. She did pastoral care which included Holy Family Home, Winnipeg. In 1987 Sister Nathanael ventured into the Sewing department in Winnipeg providing liturgical vestments and altar linens for many parishes.

Gifted with a beautiful voice, Sister Nathanael conducted children's choirs, was a member of the Winnipeg Millennium Choir, performing for the visit of Pope John Paul II to Canada in 1984. Her music ministry with parish or community prayer, enhanced the beauty of services and uplifted the hearts of those with whom she prayed.

She was creative and artistic, investing her talents to be of service to others. She had great humor, a hearty laugh, ability to tease, a smile that lit up a room, a welcoming spirit and an ability to support those in need. She held many in her prayers.

Sister Nathanael loved her family and they loved her. They enjoyed her company, good conversation, compassionate and loving heart. She shared their concerns and joys. Sister Nathanael had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel, enjoying driving trips to her family in Ontario and New Jersey. She made pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Lourdes, Fatima and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, also visiting her ancestral homeland of Ukraine and Poland.

As Sister Nathanael’s health weakened, her spirit remained vibrant. Her final days were ones closely connected with her Lord.

Sister Nathanael was predeceased by her parents, sisters Myroslava (at infancy), Maria; brothers Nicholas, Peter, John and Walter.  She is survived by her brother Marvin, sisters-in-laws Anne, Julie, Nadia, numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Divine Liturgy will be Monday, March 26, 2018 at 10:00 am, St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church - 737 Bannerman Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Metropolitan Lawrence Huculak, OSBM officiating. Interment at Holy Family Cemetery. Charitable donations may be made in her memory to SSMI Lubov Foundation - Holy Family Home Building Expansion.

Sister Nathanael’s memory be eternal!

Вічна її пам’ять