Obituary of LENA DERKACH

Lena Derkach Lena Derkach was born on Feb 12, 1917 in the district of Zaporoza to parents Telklia Wolski and Hnat Derkach. She came from a family of 7 children and was predeceased by her parents and sisters Margaret Gerelus-Yarchuk, Ann Twerdun, Mary Bomek, Nellie Derkach, and brother Michael. She is survived by her sister Rose Gerelus. At the age of 11, her mother Teklia passed away. This prompted her to leave school after grade 8 to enter the work force to help support the family at home. After brief courting period, Lena married her love Steve Derkach in 1941. They took up residence in Seech, Mb. Where, after living with relatives for a short period, they bought a farm. It was not the best of locations, but hard work along with God’s help they managed to maintain their heads above water. In the next 9 years, life changed for them as they ushered their first born in 1944 – a son named Ned. Four short years almost to the date Marianne was born. Realizing that things must change, they purchased a garage in Oakburn and in 1950 they made Oakburn their permanent residence. This move into the village brought about additional changes in their lives. Lena no longer had to milk cows and carry the milk up a steep hill to the house. She no longer had to help Steve by stooking at harvest. Lena, not one to sit around, soon became very active in this primarily Ukrainian community. She became active with the Ladies League, the church choir, and with a chuckle was even involved in some drama productions. She also helped to supplement the family income by selling eggs, painting homes and other odd jobs that became available. Life in Oakburn was pleasant but in 1966 another major change happened. Uprooted from this quiet community, a bold step was taken by moving to Winnipeg. This all came about as they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Again not one to sit still, Lena got a job working at Sears where she was a dedicated employee until her retirement at age 65. Lena had many interests and hobbies to keep her busy in her spare time. She loved to paint, do crafts, write poetry, spend sunny days gardening, and cooking with a lot of TLC for her family. She did all she could to support her husband in his new jobs. She also became active in the UCWL and the Seniors league at Holy Family Ukr. Catholic Church. Her life was centered around her faith as she had a great devotion to Jesus and Mary which was demonstrated by her church attendance and participation in the Prayer Group meetings. She had a great love for her children Ned (Yvonne) and Marianne – for her grandchildren Melissa Sadiwnyk (George), Jonathon /(Shannon), Michael (Nicole), and Matthew (Katie) – and for her great grand children (Arianna, Christian, Zachary, Gabrialla,) Sadiwnyk, and Riley, Madison, Owen and Brady. She was a great wife, mother, baba, g-baba, aunty, and sister to her siblings. Prayers will be said on Friday, July 18 at 7:00 p.m. with Rosary commencing at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1001 Grant Avenue. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday, July 19, at 10:00 a.m. also at the church officiated by The Very Rev. Fr. Darren Kawiuk. Interment to follow at Thomson in the Park, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to an orphanage in the Ukraine at Bridge of Hope 9645 108 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5H 1A3. Because of her love, compassion, and caring, she will be missed by all whose lives she touched. May she rest in peace – Vichna Pamyat!