Obituary of Mary Derbowka

DERBOWKA - Mrs. Mary Derbowka of Saskatoon, formerly of Wroxton entered eternal rest on March 8, 2010. She was 92 years of age. Mary, the eldest of five girls, was born on June 15, 1917 to Waselena (nee Zazelenchuk) and John Matechuk in Rhein, SK. She also had an older half brother, John Oystrick. Mary and her sisters attended Doyle country school. After finishing the tenth grade she entered the work force. Her first job was being a 'nanny' to twins. The following year she moved to Wroxton and served as a domestic to a young couple - the Kushner's' - who also had several boarders. One of the boarders was a popular, handsome Casanova grain buyer. Yes, this is a description of her future husband, John Derbowka. Mary and John were united in marriage on October 4, 1936 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Yorkton, SK. They then made their home in Wroxton, SK. Their union was blessed with three children - two daughters and a son - Cecile, Sylvia and John Jr. During their lifetime, in addition to John buying grain, they worked hard raising a bountiful garden, tending cows and raising at least a hundred chicks a year. They both loved the outdoors and enjoyed picking berries, mushrooms and hazelnuts. In retirement they spent many enjoyable hours fishing. Mary's hobbies included creating beautiful Easter eggs, (pysanke), sewing, knitting and a variety of fancy work. She also enjoyed playing bingo, cards and board games. Her talents for cooking, baking and wine making were legendary and enjoyed by many friends and relatives. For a time she enjoyed a stint as a newspaper reporter for the Wroxton area. Church was always very important to the family. Mary was blessed with a beautiful voice, so she lead the church choir of St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic church in Wroxton. In addition she performed many numerous solo renditions at various functions. John predeceased Mary on Feb. 9th 1993. Mary continued to live on her own in Wroxton until 1999. Then she left Wroxton to spend the next two years with her widowed sister, Effie Hardy, in Yorkton. At the age of 85 she relocated to Leduc, AB to spend the next six years with Sylvia and Dennis Malloy. Her last year and a half was spent in Saskatoon, SK with John and Carol Derbowka. After failing health and a brief illness, with her children at her side, Mary left this earth peacefully on Monday, March 8, 2010. Besides her husband, John, Mary was predeceased by her half brother, John Oystrick, and her sister Martha Novakowski. She is survived by her children: Cecile (Gerald) Slywka of Reed City, MI., Sylvia (Dennis) Malloy of Leduc, AB; John (Carol) Derbowka of Saskatoon, SK, 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, that she loved very dearly and of whom she was very proud. Also surviving her are three sisters; Effie Hardy of Yorkton, SK; Ethel Styba of Winnipeg, MB; and Lorraine (William) Peleshytyk of Calder, SK, numerous nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends. Prayers were held on Friday, March 12th at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre . The praying of the rosary led by Candace Hardy preceded the prayers. Requiem Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Saturday, March 13th, at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Yorkton with Rev. Father Vladimir Kolpakov, C.Ss.R. as the Celebrant. The responses were led by Ed Pindus, Colette Karapita & parish choir members. Serving as crossbearers were Dominique Derbowka & Nicole Malloy. The epistle reader was Jodi Ikens and the eulogy was presented by Gerald Slywka. Honourary bearers included Dennis Malloy, Harry Monette, William Peleshytyk, Gerald Slywka, Clifford Schebywolok, Andrew Tataryn, Harry Zazelenchuk and Albert Zelaney. The interment took place in the Garden of St. Luke at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Jonathon Derbowka, Mark Derbowka, Grant Hardy, Taras Robulak, Jeff Slywka and Mark Strutynski serving as the casket bearers. Memorials in memory of Mary may be made to the Autism Society, National Diabetes Association or a charity of choice. Condolences to the family may be emailed to aileysfuneralhome@sasktel.net Vichnaya Pamyat! Eternal Memory! Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Saturday, March 13th, 2010 11:00am, St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens