Nagia Victoria Kitzmann

It is with heavy hearts that we mournfully announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Baba, Sister, Aunty and Friend to many, Nagia Victoria Kitzmann, at the age of 76.  We mourn, yet rejoice as she is secure in her blessed hope, now resting with Jesus, our Lord God Almighty and Saviour. Nagia passed away on March 26th in the Fairview Health Complex, Palliative Care, after declining health for some time now.

Nagia (her given name), who was also known to some by the name 'Nadia', was born to Nickolas and Mary (Senuik) Hrushka at their homestead in Lubeck District, west of Hines Creek, Alberta.  It was there she was raised on their farm. She was the youngest of six, having five older brothers in order from oldest to youngest; Michael, Maurice, John, William (Bill) and Sylvester (Syl).

As a child, she attended Royce School, then Grace Shepherd in Hines Creek up to grade six.  At a young age, she was greatly inspired by her older brother's talents; playing guitar and singing.  It was here she discovered her God-given gift, talent, and love to play by ear and bless many with her beautiful, unique and strong voice, singing all the country classics.  Before long, she joined Ed and Alice Wald’s band.  Mom entertained a lot in her younger years, and was able to get back into the joy of entertaining in her retirement home at the Homesteader Lodge with various local groups and solo’s too,  right up until her last days there.

Nagia married Albert Kitzmann at the age of 21, on July 27th, 1967. They pioneered on Albert’s homestead, setting up their mixed farming operation, and welcomed their firstborn baby girl Julie Ann in 1968, followed by their first son Kenneth Albert in 1972, and the youngest, Cindy May in 1975. Nagia loved her role as a farmer's wife, and mother. She worked hard alongside her husband Albert, raising her family and in the later years, her greatest pride and joy; her grandchildren, Kassidy in 1999, DJ in 2000, and Tyler in 2001.  Nagia was passionate about gardening, canning (everything and anything), cooking and baking, and was always looking for new recipes to try.  She also enjoyed her chickens, turkeys and geese. The geese could be found waiting under the kitchen window, waiting for her as they always knew how to sneak out and come for her. Nagia, with her husband Albert, retired from the family farm and made Hines Creek Homesteader Lodge their retirement home in December 2016. They settled in well, embracing this new season, and enjoying all the activities, games, and entertainment which a lot of times involved Nagia’s talent and all the church services. For many, Nagia will be remembered and missed in these last years, for her talent and love for entertaining with her guitar and singing along with the various local great entertainers in our community that came to the lodge.

Nagia Victoria Kitzmann (Hrushka) is survived by her oldest daughter; Julie Ann (Jeffrey) DeSutter, grandsons; Daniel Jeffrey (DJ) and Tyler Joseph, son; Kenneth Albert Kitzmann, youngest daughter; Cindy May Connolley, granddaughter Kassidy Victoria. Her brothers Bill Hrushka and Sylvester Hrushka (Mitz), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Nagia was pre-deceased by her loving husband, Albert Kitzmann, her son-in-law Danny Gerald Connolley, brothers John, Maurice, and Michael and her parents, Nickolas and Mary Hrushka.

A memorial service will be held Friday, March 31, 2023, in Hines Creek at the All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Church at 1:00 p.m. An interment will take place after the service at the St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at the Dave Shaw Memorial Complex.

Care entrusted to Peace Valley Funeral Home, Fairview, 780-835-3306. 

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