OLGA LABIUK
June 29, 1930 – January 28, 2016
Peacefully, Mom’s well-lived life concluded on January 28. Waiting to welcome her to her heavenly home were her husband, Peter, her parents, John and Anna Denesyk, her sisters, Lena Bzowey and Faye Lawless, and her brother-in-law, William Bzowey. Cherishing her memory are daughter Shirley (Terry) Zlipko, grandchildren, Taryn, Mykan and Danan, great-grandson, Adrian, sisters, Mary (Tony) Zahara, Marge Kostiuk and Darlene Denesyk, brothers, Nick Denesyk and Edward (Beatrice) Denesyk, sisters-in-law, Marie Kasper and Marie Labiuk, as well as several nieces and nephews. Mom and Dad had little in their beginning years. They were dedicated, hardworking, resourceful and devoted to one another. Together, they created a life that was guided by their faith. While Dad worked outside the home, Mom worked tirelessly at home. Her gifts and talents were varied and many. She was a culinary magician, a creative seamstress (she designed my wedding gown), a master gardener (the lush flowers and bountiful garden attested to this), an extraordinary cake decorator and crocheter (producing hundreds of glistening snowflakes, no two alike, to adorn our Christmas tree). Mom’s pysanky (Ukrainian Easter Eggs) were her passion. She created and designed exquisite pysanky treasured by those fortunate to receive these precious gifts. She was a dedicated member of the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada in her home parish, spending countless hours volunteering for church activities. Mom worked tirelessly ensuring that our cultural identity and tradition was not lost, but preserved and treasured. She ensured that I would be equipped to carry on the traditions of Ukrainian Christmas Eve (Sviatay Vechir) and the art of preparing the Easter Basket for blessing. We are left with a life of fabulous memories – a life built on faith, love, much laughter and joy, many life lessons taught, grandchildren to enjoy and spoil (she took her role as Baba very seriously), serious ice fishing to enjoy (the extra jack fish were cooked for our cat) – simply savouring every moment of life’s journey. She was a super Mom, very much loved and treasured. We, her family, have been blessed to have her as our Mom, Mother-in-law, Baba and Pra-Baba (Great-Grandmother).
Vichnaya Pam’yat – May Her Memory Be Eternal.
Mom was a resident at St. Joseph’s Home in Saskatoon for the past six years. We are thankful and blessed that she was lovingly cared for by the Sisters and staff at St. Joseph’s. Thank you to Dr. Yelland and Dr. Khayyam, who provided ongoing medical care for Mom. Thank you to Father Peter Wasylenko for his visits and for assisting Mom on her final journey. We are grateful to Nettie Cherniatenski, Community Outreach Committee, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of All Saints, for your visits – she loved the sweet treats! Thank you to family and friends who visited with Mom – perhaps Mom did not remember that you came, but the important thing is that you remembered her. Blessings to you! Prayers will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. Both services will be held at the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Prince Albert, 684 3rd Avenue East, Revered Father Michael Lomaszkiewicz and Very Reverend Archpriest Peter Wasylenko officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Home for resident programs, Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Prince Albert, or to a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to River Park Memorial Chapel, Don Moriarty, funeral director.