It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Heatherly May Sytkowski (née Tkatchuk) on April 24, 2026.

Heather was predeceased by her parents, Evelyn and Nick, as well as many of her beloved pets. She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 43 years, Jack; her children Adam (Larissa, Jordyn, and Natalee), Kristy (Brittany), and Joshua; her grandson Theo; her sister Phyllis; her nieces Andrea (Craig, Eric, and Anna) and Tracy (Jason); and her dear friends Darlene, Cheryl, Jerry, and Wendy.

Heather was born on March 23, 1959, and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She spent many treasured summers in Yorkton surrounded by relatives and cousins. At just 14 years old, she met her future husband Jack—a ginger-haired baker and guitarist with a thick moustache—beginning a lifelong love story. Together they shared many adventures, from road trips to California and Florida to spontaneous camping getaways and countless cherished weekends at Nutimik Lake. She often reminisced about those early travels with Jack, recalling them with great joy and deep affection.

Throughout her life, Heather held a variety of roles, including planting flowers at John Black Cemetery, managing the smoke shop at Woolco, and working in several daycares. However, her most treasured role was being a mother. She devoted herself to raising her children, staying home with them in their early years and later cheering them on at hockey games, soccer games, band concerts, and dance recitals. That beloved role was joyfully surpassed only when her grandson Theo was born. He became the brightest light of her life, and she spent countless happy hours with him—on the beach or playing hockey, soccer, and even wrestling—always his biggest fan.

Heather’s true home was at Nutimik Lake, where she spent nearly every summer from June through September with her husband, family, and friends. On beach days, the aptly titled “Queen of Nutimik Lake” could be found in her signature beach chair, faithfully following her number one rule: always rotate to face the sun for the perfect tan, even on cloudy days. The only exception to this rule was when her grandson was with her—most of the time.

When she wasn’t soaking up the sun, she could be found floating on her tube, playing in the water with Theo, or “granny-dipping” and chatting with friends about everything and nothing. She enjoyed boat rides with her husband—especially those that ended with ice cream—and, though sometimes reluctantly, could always be counted on to spot her kids and grandson while they tubed, waterskied, or wakeboarded.

In retirement, Heather and Jack continued their adventures together, taking road trips and vacations—sometimes bringing their children along. She enjoyed shopping trips to Grand Forks and Fargo, vacations to Las Vegas and Laughlin where she delighted in the desert heat and playing slots, and trips to Cuba and the Dominican Republic with family and friends, where she spent long days basking in the sun by the ocean. Weekend trips to Brandon to visit her sister Phyllis and friend Darlene were especially meaningful, and she often recounted their adventures with energy and laughter.

Heather will be remembered most for the love she had for her grandson Theo, her children Adam, Kristy, and Joshua, and her husband Jack. She found great joy at the lake and on the beach, and brought warmth wherever she went. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to sincerely thank all home and palliative care workers, along with the 3 East team at Riverview Health Centre, for the care, compassion, and support they provided to Heather and her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Heather’s memory to any pet rescue, in honour of her deep love for animals and her many beloved pets.

A celebration of life for Heather will be held at a later date.

“I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.”

Gone to the beach!