Anna Clara Zilkowsky (née Warren)
July 31, 1935 - August 10, 2025
Heaven welcomed a beloved soul on August 10, 2025, when Anna Clara Zilkowsky passed away peacefully at the age of 90 in the Palliative Care Unit of St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Born on July 31, 1935, in Carmel, Saskatchewan, Anna was the seventh of ten children to Arthur Warren (born in England) and Barbara Poth (born in Hungary). As the daughter of pioneer settlers and a British citizen in the “Colonies,” Anna held dual Canadian and British citizenship—a reflection of her deep-rooted heritage and global ties. Anna spent her childhood on the Warren family homestead, six miles south of Carmel, neighboring the Zilkowsky homestead. She attended Hillsley School, one of Saskatchewan’s many one-room schoolhouses, where she completed grades one through eight. Her stories of growing up in rural Saskatchewan during the “Dirty Thirties,” through WWII, and amid the challenges of homesteading painted vivid portraits of resilience and ingenuity. She often recalled how her father built an “ice well” before the days of refrigeration, and how the family prepared their garden with manure and straw—hard work that sustained them and their community. Her life was a testament to the pioneering spirit. She witnessed and contributed to early grassroots efforts that led to the development of telephone infrastructure—later donated to form SaskTel—and the birth of Medicare. She was proud to have played a role in these transformative moments. On April 15, 1952, Anna married Anthony Vincent Zilkowsky at Immaculate Conception Church near Carmel. Together, they began their married life farming the Zilkowsky homestead, where their first two children were born. Anna was not only a devoted wife and mother but also a steadfast partner in Tony’s entrepreneurial ventures. In 1954, they moved to Pilger to open a hardware store, and in 1960, they relocated to Humboldt to establish “Tony’s TV & Radio Service.” In 1968, they purchased the former St. Joseph Parish rectory, which they lovingly restored over many years. After Tony’s passing in 1994, Anna continued to renovate their home with remarkable skill and determination, transforming the property into what many fondly called her “little park.” Her resourcefulness knew no bounds—she tackled every challenge with grit and grace, including surviving breast cancer in 2005 and congestive heart failure in 2006. Anna was deeply involved in her community, especially through the Catholic Women’s League and the St. Joseph Church choir. Sewing and crocheting were lifelong passions, born of necessity but embraced with love. Well into her mid-80s, she bowled with enthusiasm in both the Seniors and Ladies leagues in Middle Lake. Anna lived with independence, strength, and unwavering faith. She left this world peacefully, on her own terms—just as she lived. Anna is survived by seven children and their families: Lorne, (Joanne (Bernard)): their family: son Keith (Tessa Halldorson), grandchildren: Dryden, Hayley, Payton and Alexis, and great-granddaughter Araya; Diane; Evan (Terry (Pilla)), their family: daughter, Debra (Jeff Kulyk) -children: Emma, Easton and Khloe-, and son Kyle (Kerrie); Donald (Carla (Weber)), their family: daughter Amber (Ed Lemieux) – children: Lysander, Annabelle, Alistair and Eleanor-, sons: Ryan, Riley (Toni), Zachary, and Logan; Bruce; Susan (Kim Melenchuk) their family: Heidi and Quinn; and Janice; sisters: Myrna Sieben of North Battleford, and Carol Sawicki of Humboldt; sisters-in-law: Marilyn Warren of Winnipeg MB, and Cecile Barnes (Zilkowsky) of Chase BC; and many of her 125 nieces and nephews. Anna was predeceased by: her husband Tony (1994); her parents, Arthur Warren (1967)and Barbara Poth (1980); seven of her siblings and numerous brothers/sisters-in-law, including: Rose and Tony Schimnosky; John and Clara Warren; Mary and Frank Loroff , Edward Suek; Agnes and Alfred Hantke; George and Adeline Warren; Theresa and Jack Mons; Simon Warren; Nicholas and Ann (Germaine) Zilkowsky; Mary and Peter Blair; John and Veranie (German) Zilkowsky; Joseph and Betty (Fortowsky) Zilkowsky; Agnes and Bill Spence; Michael and Bergetta (German) Zilkowsky; Arthur and Glenda (Farrel) Zilkowsky; Ben and Francis (Lohman) Zilkowsky; William Barnes; Eleanor and Len Harrison.
A celebration of life was held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, with Fr. Colin Roy officiating the service with compassion and grace.
Those who took part in honoring Anna’s life:
• Active Pallbearers: Kyle, Keith, Dryden, Ryan, Riley, and Logan Zilkowsky—grandsons who carried their grandmother with love and pride.
• Honorary Pallbearers: Lorne, Evan, Don, and Bruce Zilkowsky—sons whose strength and devotion were a testament to a life well lived; and Kim Melenchuk, beloved son-in-law.
• Eulogist: Evan Zilkowsky, whose words captured the essence of Anna’s life, legacy, and love.
Interment took place at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Cemetery in Fulda, SK, where Anna was laid to rest in the quiet presence of faith and family. Following the service, a memorial luncheon was held at the Royal Canadian Legion – Humboldt Branch #28 Hall. There, loved ones gathered to share stories, laughter, and heartfelt memories, paying tribute to a life that touched so many. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations were gratefully directed to the Royal University Hospital Foundation – Heart Function Clinic, honoring Anna’s journey and helping support others through compassionate care and ongoing research.
This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral & Cremation Services - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)