Obituary of Agnes "Chirpie" Gaverluk

AGNES "Chirpie" GAVERLUK - "WALKING WITH JESUS, THERE IS NO OTHER WAY" ~ Agnes Gaverluk joined her Lord and Saviour on Saturday, August 16, 2014. Born March 21, 1919 in Crowland (Welland) Ontario to Ukrainian parents, Anani Gawreluik and Maria Gawreluik (nee Tudan). Prior to entering public school, Aglia's name was anglicized to Agnes and later on the family's last name was changed to "Gaverluk". In 1947, Agnes completed her degree at Toronto Bible College now known as Tyndale University. In 1950, Agnes began working with Ontario Pioneer Camps (OPC), the camping division of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. It was the joy of her life to work with OPC as the Camp's first full-time administrative secretary handling registrations and encouraging campers for more than 35 years. Retiring in 1984, Agnes continued to volunteer with OPC in various supportive roles including "International Christmas" for a period of another 15 years. Agnes also studied at the University of Toronto's Royal Conservatory of Music. Known for her alto voice, Agnes was accepted as a professional member of the Toronto Mendolssohn Choir performing with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra for a period of 8 years. Never married but known to OPC campers all over the world as "Chirpie", she was mother and grandmother to thousands. Hers was a life of cheerful service and her life’s motto was based on Matthew 25: 34-40. In her own words she expressed, "To serve has been my motto for years and it did not matter what I did because it was all for Jesus Christ." "Chirpie" came to know Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour in her early twenties and she joyfully served Him all her life and now she serves Him in His heavenly kingdom for all eternity. We rejoice that in accepting Christ as our Saviour and Redeemer of our sins, that we too will see our loved one again. Agnes was sister to the late Rev. Dr. Emil Gaverluk, Estelle Butcher, Elizabeth Driver and Eleanor Lysack. Also a beloved aunt, great-aunt and great, great aunt of many nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces. The interment will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2014, 11:00am at Memory Gardens, 2723 Victoria St. North, Breslau, ON, N0B 1M0; "Last Supper – Lot 155 & Lot space D3". Peter Bloom, Retired Executive Director – Ontario Pioneer Camp, will officiate. A Celebration of Life service will also be held. This service followed, by light refreshments, will take place on Saturday, September 27, 11:00am at Spring Garden Baptist Church, 112 Spring Garden Ave; Toronto, M2N 3G3 (416-223-4593). Peter Bloom will also lead the Celebration of Life service. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Ontario Pioneer Camp www.pioneercamp.ca. We also invite you to leave your memories of Chirpie online here. Thank you. Service Information Service Date Saturday, September 27, 2014 Service Time 11:00 a.m. Service Location Celebration of Life at Spring Garden Baptist Church, Toronto, ON Burial Date August 28, 2014 Burial Time 11:00 a.m. Burial Location Memory Gardens, Breslau, ON Requested Charity Ontario Pioneer Camp