JOYCE ELAINE ROKYTA (DERKSON)

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JOYCE ELAINE ROKYTA (nee DERKSON) After a lengthy battle with C.O.P.D. (Emphysema), our mother, grandmother and sister Elaine, passed away peacefully at the Seven Oaks Hospital on Friday, February 10, 2006. Elaine will be lovingly missed by her son David and wife Josephine; granddaughters, Ashley and Amanda; sister Bonnie (Bonita) Moroz-Hellberg and husband Thomas; nephews, Stephan, Darrick and Matthew and special friend Sarah Pauley; as well as many other relatives across Canada. She was predeceased by her father Benny Derkson in 1962 and very recently on January 12, 2006, by her mother Audrey. Elaine will be sincerely missed by her many friends and previous co-workers. On November 22, 1938, Elaine was born in Winnipeg, MB and lived here her entire adult life. In September 1968, Elaine married Walter Rokyta (deceased) and a few years later they were thrilled by the birth of their chosen son David. There was never a more enthusiastic Hockey Mom or Soccer Mom as she never missed a game or an opportunity to support her only son. In 1992, when David married Josephine, Elaine welcomed her to our family with open arms. Josephine and Elaine enjoyed a caring, mutually supportive relationship over the years. Elaine was especially appreciative of Jo's caring assistance during the last few years when C.O.P.D. severely affected her ability and quality of life. Undoubtedly, the loves of Elaine's life were her sweet granddaughters, Ashley and Amanda. Having the opportunity to watch them grow from newborns to lovely young girls created memories and experiences she cherished always. Elaine was a huge influence in the life of Bonnie, her much younger sister. Bonnie has many fond memories of trips she went on with Elaine and Walter as a young child. Whether it was camping trips to the lake or vacations to EXPO 67 in Montreal or holidays in the Southern States, Elaine made sure to include her little sister. She was a natural stand-in for Mom in those days. As time went on Elaine and Bonnie's sisterly bond grew and matured into an irreplaceable connection built of love and millions of belly-aching laughs. The loss of Elaine's devotion, love and humour has left a tremendous hole in the hearts of her family and friends. In the early years of her working career, and for many years, Elaine was a valued employee of the Greater Winnipeg Gas Company. In 1976, she decided on a change and went to work for Scotia Bank, (Main and Polson, Nairn and Panet, and Garden City branches). She continued to work until 1996 when C.O.P.D made it impossible for her to carry on. Elaine truly missed working and the comradery she shared with her co-workers. She was an avid participant in Stitch n B, a monthly women's group who got together on a regular basis and shared a ton of laughs while stitching . In the past, Elaine was also a regular member of Huff and Puff a support group for people with C.O.P.D operated out of the Riverview Centre. Our family would like to thank the staff of Riverview who cared for her so compassionately during her frequent stays there. As well, a big thanks to Drs. Warren and Szajkowski for taking such good care of Elaine over the years. Last but not least, our heartfelt appreciation goes out to the devoted women from the Winnipeg Regional Health Care Home Care team who on a daily basis for many years enriched Elaine's life by providing consistent, caring support. Our gratitude especially goes out to Josie, Virginia, Deborah and Brenda for the above and beyond dedication and fondness they showed Elaine over the years, she very much appreciated and loved you all. A celebration of Elaine's life will be announced and held in conjunction with our mother's memorial in the summer. In lieu of flowers if friends so desire, donations may be made to the Riverview Health Centre, 1 Morley Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3L 2P4, in memory of Elaine. Do not stand on my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die. I am the thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glint on snow. When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift uplifting rush. Of quiet birds in circled flight, I am bright stars that shine at night. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. Do not stand on my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. Elaine's arrangements have been entrusted to the Family Owned Funeral Chapel of: WOJCIK'S ALL BELIEFS FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 25, 2006