Myrtle Ellen Szakacs passed away at the age of 73 on July 29, 2023 in Melfort, SK. Myrtle was born on February 27, 1950 in Gainsborough, SK to Grant and Nellie Whitehead. Myrt spent her youth in Southeastern Saskatchewan proving since she was as tall as her older siblings Merna, Bill and David, she would not be outdone or left out. Her teenage years were spent excelling at most everything she tried her hand at including making the first pizza ever tried in the Ross household, sewing a graduation dress at 13, at 14 driving the car for Helen all over the creation once Murray was out of sight and earning the gold medal of excellence at Brandon University School of Nursing, Class of 1971.

Myrtle met David Szakacs one Sunday morning in May of 1971 in the home of Nick and Grace Genik of Dauphin, MB. Dave and Myrtle were married on September 23, 1972 and raised 3 children 4 miles south of Star City on the farm they bought in 1976: JoLynn (Dale Blaikie), Dylan (Janaya) and Danny (Jelayne). From these children, Myrtle was able to enjoy 8 grandchildren despite the limitations of her disease the last 13 years: Cole (Coral and great grandchild, Capri Blaikie), Brock, Joni Blaikie and Amy, Azlyn, Kenzy, Jarvis and Lexxy Szakacs. Myrtle is predeceased by her father and mother, Grant and Nellie Whitehead; brother, David Whitehead; foster parents, Murray and Helen Ross; foster brother, Bruce Ross; and in-laws, John and Mary Szakacs. Myrtle is survived by her husband of 50 years, David Szakacs; sister, Merna Whitehead; and brother, Bill Whitehead (Rhoda); and sister in-law’s, Nola Whitehead, Joyce Szakacs, Ruth Horvath and Alice (Joe) Howden.

When Myrtle graduated from nurses training she worked in Dauphin General Hospital, Swift Current OR, Hudson Bay and Tisdale Hospitals but the last 29 years of her career were her favourite. In 1981 she was hired by Melfort and District Home Care and served the Melfort and Star City communities for 15 years until Kelsey Trail Health Region took over in the middle 90’s. Myrt completed her nursing career in Melfort as a Client Assessor taking early retirement in 2010. Recently her manager reflected,” Myrtle was compassionate but her ability to deal with patients sensibly and realistically made her an exceptional problem solver. She even made an IV pole out of a coat hanger!” Myrtle formed a kinship with her colleagues and enjoyed their coffee dates even after she was retired and experiencing limitations. Myrt was a tremendous support to her husband, David as they learned to farm together through the high interest rates of the 70’s and the dried out 80’s. They built a home together in this time and their front door was always open for guests.

Myrtle loved nursing and farming but raising her children was her top priority. She was willing to go out of her comfort zone to spend quality time with her husband and sons, including bravely riding a half broke horse on a 5-day trail ride, roughing it and laughing till the wee hours. She was also quick to purchase plane tickets out west to be a help to her daughter and enjoy each new grandbaby for 2-3 weeks uninterrupted. It was a real treat for her when she had local grandchildren and could enjoy them on a regular basis. In 1995, when Myrt found herself left in an “all male” household, she fell in love with perennial gardening. She spent the next 5 years beautifying her yard with many trips to Zosel’s Tree Farm to purchase the latest trending shrubs and trees. Myrt and Dave enjoyed travelling with friends and family to several destinations in Europe and Hawaii as well. In 2013, they purchased a home in Palm Springs and were able to enjoy 5 winters there resulting in many new friends and privileges. Myrt was known for “offering a word in season” making her a loyal friend to many and a favourite auntie. She could make cooking for a crowd look easy, inviting folks to stay for meals after many Sunday morning fellowship meetings in their home.

Losing her mother at the age of 12, caused Myrtle to think very seriously about life. Three months later in February, 1963 she made her choice to serve God and never lost her faith, her heart for God, the ministry or the fellowship. Alzheimer’s stole her mind but not her peaceful countenance because what was in her heart could not be taken from her.

Myrtle’s example will live on for many years to come.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, August 14, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the Kerry Vickar Centre, Performing Arts Theatre, Melfort, SK.  Memorial donations may be made to: North Central Health Care Foundation c/o Parkland Place Comfort Fund (PO Box 1480  Melfort, SK  S0E 1A0).

Those wishing to leave condolences for the family may visit the online guestbook at www.fedusiakfuneralchapel.ca

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Fedusiak Funeral Chapel & Crematorium Ltd., Melfort, SK (306)752-3838.

• Date : 2023-07-29
• Location : Melfort, SK