Obituary of Pearl Derkach

DERKACH - Pearl (nee Harasymuk) With great sadness, particularly at this blessed time of year, we announce the passing of our Dearest Mom, Grandmother & Great-Grandmother on Monday, December 19, 2011 at the age of 95 years, 8 months. She was predeceased by her parents, John & Eva Harasymuk, husband John, son Ralph, son- in-law Russ, brothers/sisters, Nick, Steve, Alex, Bill, Nellie Kurmey, Katie Wuschenny, & Mary Dvernachuk. Left to cherish her legacy of love & honor her memory are children, Gloria, Neil, Frances, Andy, Willie (Deanna), 2 granddaughters Alicia Maaskant (Rick), their children (Hailey, Brady), Alanna Fergusson (Alex), & 2 sisters-in-law, Tillie (Al) Chisholm, Ethel Derkach as well as many extended family. Pearl was born in Fenwood, Saskatchewan. She left home at a tender young age to work in Pioneer Mine, B.C., later Fort San, SK, & Toronto, ON where she met her husband John. They married in 1943 & moved to Kelliher shortly after where they farmed, raised their family & later retired in Yorkton. Pearl was a wonderful cook, her meals were always made with love & splendid taste. Her warmth & hospitality at dinners was shared with many visiting families & neighbors as they enjoyed her labors of love from her kitchen. She firmly believed that a plate had to be full at all times in order to let her know you were enjoying the meal. If it wasn't holding much food, she would be sure to place more on it. She planted & harvested a large garden as long as she was able to & we truly relished her delicious preserves. Our family will forever cherish her legacy of serving & enjoying great tasting food. Above all we will also always be reminded of her strong work ethics instilled in us as children. Among other enjoyments of many hours were crocheting, knitting, & quilting & playing her favorite card games. She loved to hear birds singing, the beauty of flowers, & for several years logged the weather & temperatures daily in the Yorkton area. Pearl was a gentle lady, with a dry sense of humor & a beautiful smile for everyone she met. She endured a lot of arthritic pain in her later years but with her inner strength & deep faith she continued to be a determined lady in her daily life. For the last few months of this year she had a lovely caregiver, Dorota, & we thank her ever so much for her compassionate love & care. We will always love you our Dearest Mom and we miss you so much. Prayers were held on Thursday, December 22nd at the Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home. Requiem Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Friday, December 23rd at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Father Methodius Kushko, C.Ss.R. as the Celebrant. The responses were led by Ed Pindus, Colette Karapita and parish choir members. The cross bearer was Bill Harasymuk and the epistle reader was Robert Wuschenny. "All Those in Attendance" were considered honourary pallbearers. The interment followed in St. Vladimir's Parish Cemetery in Kelliher with Gloria Irwin, Neil Derkacz, Frances Derkach, Andy Derkach, Willie Derkach and Dorota Sobczyk serving as casket bearers. Memorials honouring Pearl's life may be made to St. Mary's Church Building Fund. Condolences can be posted to the family by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com Vichnaya Pamyat! Eternal Memory! Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Friday, December 23rd, 2011 10:00am, St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church Interment Details