FAY FELESKY

Posted: April 24th, 2026

FAY FELESKY

June 21, 1946 ~ April 20, 2026

Fay Felesky passed away peacefully at the Medicine Hat Regional  Hospital on Monday, April 20, 2026. Born in Vermillion, Alberta on June 21, 1946, to Nick and Anne Chomik, she grew up in Vegreville and spent her high school days playing basketball and participating in 4-H. Fay earned her Bachelor of Education at the University of Alberta, where she met Val, her husband of 57 years. Sadly, he passed away in 2025. Fay leaves behind her two children, Cameron and Leigh (Layi Oshinowo); three grandchildren, Caiden, Clea, and Emery and four loving siblings, Gary, Deb, Trevor and Treena.

Fay taught in Edmonton before moving to Medicine Hat where she had a lengthy and successful career with the Medicine Hat School District. In the early days, Fay worked at Vincent Massey before moving to Crestwood School where she inspired Grade 3 students for most of her teaching career. Fay’s welcoming classroom reflected her vibrant and friendly personality. Colourful, laminated times tables and handwriting charts covered the walls, and the children loved the bonus bucket sitting on her desk at the front of the room. It was here that they were rewarded for class cooperation and good behaviour. Everyone felt uplifted when they entered her room.

Fay’s patience, kindness, talent for great storytelling and mentorship impacted countless students. She taught them not only the curriculum, but how to respect themselves and others. She remained active well into retirement, administering provincial exams and participating in the monthly retired teacher’s luncheons.

Fay grew up with hard-working Ukrainian parents and passed on that same work ethic to her family. She encouraged her children to be their best and supported them to excel in university and their lives beyond school. Fay was always available to edit an essay – even well into the night – and never hesitated to talk through a hard problem. This commitment extended to her grandkids. Fay made countless trips to Toronto to take them to the zoo, cheer them on at basketball games and watch their karate routines. They loved Grandma’s stories and word games and looked forward to the summers they spent with her learning to play golf and zipline.  Their many trips to Montana were another fan favourite. Because of Fay, three lucky grandkids have an unbreakable connection to Western Canada and memories they will cherish forever.

Fay divided her spare time between her passions for travel, style, and interior design. She    completed courses in each of these subjects. Her love of decorating, appreciation of great craftsmanship, and goal of finding the perfect solution meant she consistently created beautiful  surroundings no matter her location. Even on her travels to Turkey and Italy, she always brought back something special.

Fay had a passion for exploring the Medicine Hat trails and coulees. She ran five miles a day for over 10 years. In fact, she ran so much she went through a pair of running shoes every six months – luckily, she loved shopping. Fay often shared her outdoor adventures – sending pictures of wildlife she encountered along her path. One of her favourites was a snake sunning itself on the path. As time passed and new ailments crept in, Fay’s runs slowed to walks, but she kept going with optimism and pride. No matter how ill she became, Fay didn’t let sickness keep her from enjoying her time outside. In fact, she felt that her hikes were healing. Fay never stopped. She loved life right to the end.

We will miss her so much and are glad that she is now at peace.

Celebration Of Life

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

Pastor Murray Jaster officiating

Interment at Hillside Cemetery

Luncheon to follow at Reflections Reception Facility

The service will be live-streamed.  Those who cannot attend but wish to experience his celebration may visit the Cook Southland Funeral Chapel website and select the View Broadcast button on the homepage at service time. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com)  Honoured to serve the family is

Cook Southland Funeral

Chapel Crematorium &

Reception Facility

901 – 13th Street S.W.

Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4

Phone 403-527-6455

www.cooksouthland.com

“Locally owned & directed”