Obituary of Evelyn Miller

MILLER - Evelyn Veronica Miller was born on May 22, 1924 to Andrew and Anna (nee Urbanski) Bryski. They resided on a farm by Calder, Saskatchewan and Evelyn went to school at Mostetz until grade eight. She then worked in Fort Frances, Ontario for a time before returning to Calder. On November 21, 1942 she was united in marriage to William Derworiz at the Calder Church. The couple resided on their farm where Evelyn helped her husband with stooking and other farm chores. She always planted a large garden, canning all the produce for her family's use. There was no power or running water which made for a lot more work. Evelyn milked cows and tended to the pigs and chickens. The couple belonged to the Wroxton Church after their marriage where she was always baking cakes and pies and anything else that was needed for church suppers. Evelyn and Bill raised five children: son Ernie, born June 23, 1944, and daughters: twins Marion and Margaret, born October 18, 1949, Theresa born May 15, 1952, and Elizabeth, born June 15, 1954. Life became somewhat easier in 1957 when they purchased land and moved to the farm where their son still resides. They now had power and a larger home, but Evelyn continued planting large gardens, often giving away the extra produce to neighbors, friends, and relatives. She loved baking and was well known for the buffet style meals she prepared. William passed away on December 8, 1971. Soon after, Evelyn moved to Elkford BC to live with her daughter. She soon got a job in Elkford, at the Fording Coal Mine. There she met co-worker Ray Miller, and on February 12, 1977, they were united in marriage. The couple retired shortly after and travelled in her prized motorhome. Ray and Evelyn eventually moved to Ladysmith BC where they resided until Ray's death on November 19, 1990. Evelyn then moved to Kelowna BC , where her two youngest daughters lived. It had always been Evelyn's intention to return to Yorkton to be buried alongside her first husband William, and in 2002 she returned to Yorkton, where she had since resided. Upon her return to Yorkton, Evelyn became a faithful member of St. Gerard's parish. Evelyn passed away early Sunday morning, January 16, 2011 in the Intensive Care Unit at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. She was 86 years, 7 months and 23 days of age. Evelyn took great interest in many things, reading, knitting, crocheting, and of course, baking. Many family members left her home with something crocheted or knitted. She cherished the everyday phone calls from family and friends, especially her dear friend Anne Boychuk. A very spiritual woman, Evelyn believed whole-heartedly that religion was a very important part of one's life. She faithfully watched Mass on TV and followed her prayer book everyday, especially when she was unable to attend church. Besides her husbands William and Ray, she was predeceased by her parents, three brothers, Walter, Edward and Peter; and a nephew, Donald Bryski. She leaves to cherish her memory: son Ernie (Kathy) Derworiz of Kamsack; daughters: Marion (Glenn) Matechuk of Yorkton; Margaret (Gerald) Boychuk of Kamsack; Teri Derworiz of Kelowna; and Liz (Stan) Rotinsky of Kelowna; 20 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; brothers: Andrew (Suzanne) Bryski of Aylesford Lake, Nova Scotia; Frank (Alma) Bryski of Saskatoon; and Henry (Lil) Bryski of Yorkton; a sister: Mary (Don) Pinder of Springside; sisters-in-law: Victoria Derworiz of Yorkton; Jean Kohanski of Thunder Bay, ON; and Sonia Bryski of Roblin, MB; and numerous nieces, nephews and her many other relatives and friends. The Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday evening, January 19, 2011 at St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church in Yorkton. Rev. Father Frances Hengen officiated. The Lectors were Carmela Schneider and Michelle Romaniuk, the crossbearer was Chase Badham, the prayers of intercession were led by Colette Derworiz, and Liz Rotinsky and Kathy Derworiz were the gift-bearers. Organist, Katherine Flaman led members of the Parish Choir and the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'Here I Am Lord', Psalm 116, 'Precious Lord', 'Eye Has Not Seen', 'Song of the Angels', and 'How Great Thou Art'. Honorary bearers were Anne Boychuk, Auntie Clara and Mary Howarth. The interment took place on Thursday morning, January 20th at the Yorkton City Cemetery with Phil Matechuk, Evan Derworiz, Stan Rotinsky, Wayne Bryski, Kelly Schneider and Brian Romaniuk serving as the casketbearers. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Wednesday, January 19th, 2011 7:00pm, St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church Interment Details Yorkton City Cemetery