MARY'S GENEALOGY TREASURES
Joseph Berezay and
Annie Zubach Berezay
Annie Zubach Berezay
A History of Del Bonita and
Surrounding Districts, Pages 274 - 275
Joe came to Canada in 1911 at the age of twelve with his parents,
John and Marie Berezay, and an older brother, Gene. Here with
the many long hours, the hard work, and breaking land with
horses, they established Berezay Hill.
Joe went to school at Valleyfield, completing his education there.
He worked for several years on Joe Peters' Ranch, just east of the
Berezay homestead. In 1930 John Berezay passed away. Joe
took over the responsibilty of the farm.
In 1929 Joe married Annie Zubach, daughter of Peter and Mary
Zubach of Harrisville, Alberta. They resided on the ridge
with Grandma Berezay . Joe and Annie had five children,
two daughters and three sons. Like his parents, Joe worked
very hard on the old homestead. The depression hit in the
1930's. In 1931 Joe bought a truck, and for the next ten
years he operated a trucking business. His business consisted
of transporting gas in barrels from Del Bonita, Owendale, Woolford,
and Raley to Lethbridge. While Joe ran the business his wife,
Annie managed the farm with the help of the family and her
younger brother. Due to the struggle of the dirty 30's, the long
hours, the hard work, and the extensive travelling on near
impassable roads in winter, and rain washed in spring, Joe's
health (heart trouble) became impaired.
In 1938 Joe and Annie, accompanied by their two daughters,
moved to White Rock, B.C., hoping that Joe's health would
improve. However, when they returned to Whiskey Gap in
the spring, there was no change.
In 1954 they returned to Creston, B.C., this time accompanied
by their youngest son.
On August 10, 1954, Joseph Berezay passed away of a heart
atack. Following her hustand's passing Annie returned to
Whiskey Gap to resume managing Berezay farm, until
her passing in January 1964.
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Mary Tollestrup