Obituary of Lena Kereluk

KERELUK - Lena Kereluk was born on March 21, 1917 in the Insinger district of Saskatchewan; a daughter of Alex and Axenia (nee Petruschuk) Moldowan. She was raised on the family farm and attended the Insinger School. As a young woman Lena helped at home until her marriage to Wasyl (W.J.) Kereluk on August 8, 1937, at Drobot Church. This union was blessed with three children: Evangeline, Mervin and Glenn. In that same year, Wasyl and Lena purchased the Insinger General Store, which they operated for over 40 years. In her younger years, Lena was a faithful member of the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Church Parish, as well as being a hard working member of the ladies organization, Lessa Ukrainka branch. In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, gardening, socializing and baking. Her family was very precious to her and she greatly enjoyed the visits from her children and grandchildren. She was a friendly, social individual who enjoyed participating in local events with all her friends in the community. Following the sale of their business in 1978, Wasyl and Lena retired to Yorkton, where they became active members of the Holy Transfiguration Parish. Lena also enjoyed her membership here in the Parish ladies organization, the Olena Pchilka branch. She and Wasyl stayed active by also becoming members of the New Horizon's Seniors Club in Yorkton. Shortly after the death of Wasyl on June 25, 1996, Lena moved to Fisher Court in Yorkton. In 2000 she moved to Surrey, BC to be with her family. She became a resident of Bear Creek Lodge and then, in 2004, of the Hilton Villa Care Lodge, where she had resided until her passing on Saturday, June 5, 2010. She was 93 years of age. Besides her husband Wasyl, she was predeceased by her parents, Alex (1973) and Axenia (1985); two brothers, William Moldowan in 1981 and Steve Moldowan in 1986; and a sister, Mary Chorpita in 2009. She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Evangeline Kereluk of Vancouver; two sons, Mervin Kereluk of Chilliwack, and Glenn (Cheri) Kereluk of Surrey; grandchildren, Brendan, Trevor, Kristopher, and Alexis and a sister, Iris Biggs of Nanoose Bay, BC. She also leaves a number of nieces, nephews, godchildren and sisters in law. The funeral service was held on Saturday, June 12, 2010 from the Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton with Very Rev. Father Mel Slashinsky officiating. Cantor, Gerald Yaholnitsky led members of the Parish Choir in the singing of the responses. Members of the Ukrainian Womens Association, Olena Pchilka branch attended the service and formed an honor guard in church. Virginia Wereschuk was the flagbearer. Bannerbearers were Morris Nicholayou and Jeff Zuchkan, the crossbearer was Albert Pobereznek. The interment took place in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Glenn & Kristopher Kereluk, Kenneth Biggs, and David, Joe and Terry Moldowan serving as the casket bearers. At the memorial luncheon following the interment, son Glenn gave a tribute to his mother on behalf of the family. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Saturday, June 12th, 2010 9:00am, Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church Interment Details Yorkton City Cemetery