Obituary of Doris Piasta

PIASTA – The family of Doris Piasta of Yorkton sadly announces her passing on April 28^th. She was 102 years of age.

Doris, affectionately known as "Daisy" in her youth, was born on September 17, 1921, to Peter and Irene Nykorchuk in Rossburn, Manitoba. She was the middle child of seven children. At age three, Doris's family moved to Transcona, Manitoba.  Three years later, the family moved to Toronto. It was here where Doris grew up, attending the school across the street from where the family lived. As a young girl, church was central to her life.  She attended every Sunday and feast day service with her family at St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral. As she grew older, she joined the Church Choir and sang with them until her marriage. She also participated in the Ukrainian Cultural Choir affiliated with the church and became a proficient dancer in the Ukrainian Dance Group. In 1942, her father, Peter, passed away. She continued to live with her mother and two younger siblings, contributing the bulk of her paycheck to support the family, a testament to her selflessness and dedication.

In 1945, she met her future husband, William, “the love of my life,” who attended St. Vladimir’s. On the eleventh of May, 1946, they were married – a marriage which would last almost sixty years. In 1947, they were blessed with the birth of their first child, Irene. Sadly, eighteen months later, they would lose her to meningitis.  1949 greeted them with the first of four boys, Russel, and in 1951, a second son, Robert, was born. Robert began to suffer from complications with asthma; William and Doris decided to move to a drier climate and came to Saskatchewan in 1953.

The decision to move to Saskatchewan in 1953 was a significant turning point in Doris's life. It was a move that tested her resilience and adaptability, as she had to bid farewell to her beloved family and adjust to a life vastly different from her city upbringing. The farm and modest homestead they relocated to lacked basic amenities, necessitating Doris to take on the role of a farm housewife. She met this challenge head-on, transforming the humble three-room house into a warm and inviting home, mastering the art of cooking and gardening, and assisting William with the farm work. 

Their third son, Andrew, was born in 1955, and three years later, in 1958, their last child, Dennis, was born. William and Doris dedicated themselves to farming until 1980. Throughout these years, they resided in the Ituna district, actively participating in community and church life. Doris's commitment to her family and community was unwavering, as she continued to sing in the choir and serve as an active member of the parish ladies' auxiliary.

In 1980, they retired to Yorkton, where their devotion to the church remained steadfast. Doris continued to contribute to the Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church ladies' group. With more leisure time in retirement, she discovered a new passion for cross-stitching. Her creative endeavors were not limited to this, as she lovingly crafted numerous tablecloths, runners, and towels, most of which were gifted to family, relatives, and friends, bringing joy and beauty into their lives.

After the death of her husband, William, in 2006, Doris continued to live in her home, surrounded by memories of their life together. In December of 2023, she had to move into a care home due to health reasons. She resided in The Yorkton & District Nursing Home until her repose, where she was cared for with love and respect.

Doris was predeceased by her husband William and daughter Irene; her Brothers Alex (Edna), Andrew (Marg), Paul (Margaret), and William (Lucy); her Sisters Anne (Peter) and Stella (Rudy); daughter-in-law Judy; and great-grandson Brendon.

She leaves to mourn her sons, Russel, Robert (Olga), Andrew, and Dennis (Gail); grandchildren: Corrina Bell (Alex), Michael Piasta (Stacey), Kari Yucytus (Marty), Rob Piasta (Holly), David Piasta, Christine Piasta (Wade); Great Grand Children: Greg (Page), Stephanie (Shawn), Kaylyne, Alexis, Great Great Children: Rylan, Brianna, Landen, Autumn, Emma, Willow.

                                                                                Xpuctoc Bockpec! – Christ is Risen!

Prayers were held on Sunday, March 5, 2024 and the Funeral Liturgy on Monday, March 6, 2024, both at St. Mark’s Orthodox Church in Yorkton. The main celebrant was  Rev. Fr. Andrew Piasta and assisted by concelebrants, Rev. Fr. Rodion Luciuk and Rev. Fr. Vladimir Lysak. The responses led by Rodney Flunder and Lilia Livingstone & St. Mark’s Choir. Serving as crossbearer was Warren Pincemin. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Russel Piasta, Robert Piasta, Dennis Piasta, Michael Piasta, Rob Piasta and Wade Pincemin serving as the casketbearers. Memorial donations in memory of Doris may be made to St. Andrew’s Orthodox Church, Canora, c/o 72 Newfield Place, Yorkton, SK S3N 2M9 as gifts of remembrance. Condolences to the family can be posted at baileysfuneralhome.com.