Obituary of Emily Dereniwski

It is with profound sadness that the family of Emily Dereniwski announce her peaceful passing on November 12, 2023, at the age of 96 years at the Hudson Bay Health Care Facility.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children Terry (Sharon) of Hudson Bay, SK and their children Tim (Alisha) and great grandchildren Easton and Sienna of Regina, SK, Rob (Adin) and great grandchildren Hawkley and Berkley of Warman, SK. and Jeff (Jaye) of Regina, SK. as well as Stan (Marianne) of Medicine Hat, AB. and their children Michael (Kaylee) and great grandchildren Ava and Alex, and Stephen (Tennile), both of Medicine Hat, AB.

Emily was predeceased by Alex Dereniwski, her loving husband of 58 years, her parents Mike and Anna (Mysko) Kowalishen, sister Stella (Krupp) and brothers John, Peter, Steve, Bill and Orest (in infancy) Kowalishen.

Emily was born on June 7, 1927, on the family homestead at Stornoway, SK. She spent her early years on the farm where she developed her lifelong love of animals, nature and the outdoors. In addition to helping on the farm she attended Angove School, a daily one and a half mile walk from the farm. After completing school Emily moved to Swan River, MB. with her brothers Peter and Bill to help them out with the farm they had recently purchased. Here she further developed the cooking and homemaking skills she had learned from her mother while on the farm in Stornoway. In October 1948 she married Alex Dereniwski in Yorkton, SK. where they established themselves and raised their family. They purchased their home on Betts Ave where they remained until the passing of Alex in 2006, at which time Emily chose the convenience of apartment living. Once the boys started school, she began working at Croll’s Department Store where she remained for many years before taking a position at the Saan Store before she retired to enjoy her years at home. Emily loved gardening, canning, knitting and crocheting. She was an avid reader, but most of all she loved to cook. She was well renowned for being the best cook and baker and rarely used a cookbook. She was often asked for copies of her recipes, but she seldom had anything written down. She loved nature and the outdoors and reminisced fondly about growing up with all her pets while on the farm, and her many years spent with family at the cabin at Madge Lake.

Emily was very proud of being able to live mostly independently until she was 91, but eventually her failing vision and health issues necessitated her having to relocate to assisted care facilities for the past 5 years. In recent years, Emily often spoke of her dilemma of not being able to fully grasp the reality of living to the unexpected and extended age whereby you have outlived so many; all of your siblings, so many of your nieces and nephews and cousins, and especially, mostly all of the close friends you’ve had over the years. However, and most importantly, she continued to take great pride and comfort in the knowledge her family was safe and sound and always there with her.

A wife, a mother, a grandmother and great grandmother, a life and legacy shared….

The family sincerely thanks everyone for their thoughtful wishes and condolences. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the CNIB.