Eugenia DERENIWSKI

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DERENIWSKI: It is with heavy hearts that the family of Eugenia (Jean) Dereniwski announces the passing of their mother and baba on Thursday, October 30, 2014 after a relatively short stay in the Shoal Lake and Brandon Health Centres. Jean was born in Seech, Manitoba to Mike and Mary Mykolaishyn (Komoransky) on June 6, 1927, the eldest of seven children. In 1929/30, the family relocated to their homestead in Petlura, Manitoba. It was here that the last five siblings were born and raised. Jean attended school at Petlura; something that she absolutely loved. As was a common story back then, Jean was sent out at a very early age to help raise money in support of her family during the tough times. She often commented on how homesick she was during this time away at various places including Silverton, Binscarth, Birtle and Decker. Jean married Mike Dereniwski on October 23, 1947 at St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Roblin. They then set out on their life of toil, at their farm in Strathclair. It was here that they raised their four children: Glenice Marie, Gerald Mathew, Marlene Jean and Richard Michael. The farm became a family experience with milking cows and selling cream, raising hogs to finish and raising chickens for the sale of eggs and butcher hens. There was always a huge garden to ensure the family had everlasting supplies. It was during this time that they established lifelong relationships in the community that were relished for years to come. This farming saga continued until the fall of 1975 when the decision was made to sellout and relocate to Minnedosa. During their tenure there, Jean worked many housekeeping and homecare duties for others. She also sold many hundreds of dozens of perogies. They remained in Minnedosa until September of 1986 when they decided to move back “home” to Shoal Lake. It was there that they could be close to family and friends of their Strathclair years. For years to come they became more involved in church activities and started to enjoy the full retirement aspect of life. They took more time to do a little travelling and spending time with family and friends. On April 11, 1991, Jean’s life took a hard turn with the passing of her mate of 43 years. She was now out of her comfort zone and had some major adjustments to make. With some hand holding and coaching from her children she proved to be a designer of her own destiny and prevailed in ensuring all her needs were looked after. Friends and family became even more important as they all became more interdependent on each other for fellowship and comfort. Many trips with the sisters-in-law (The Golden Girls) for shopping and pleasure became the norm. On June 9, 2011, a mother’s worst nightmare came true with the passing of her eldest child Glenice Marie. Losing a loved one can be painful and trying enough but losing a child played on her heart and soul like no other. The many conversations and discussions that ensued helped her through the difficult time but it proved to be a hole that would never fill. As Jean aged, her health became more of a concern and she began to travel less, quit her gardening and started buying perogies instead of making them. The last couple of years she became somewhat of a recluse wanting to remain close to the comfort of her house. Even with the urging of her children to move into a seniors complex, where the community watches over one another fell on a deaf ear. Her home was her ultimate comfort zone. Ultimately her wish to remain in her house until she absolutely could not became a reality. Throughout her life, Jean was a host that was second to none. She took pride in making sure visitors were fed and watered. To say that she was an active conversationalist would be an understatement. She absolutely loved to visit. Those spreads on the dinner table and constant fussing to ensure you did not leave wanting will be forever missed. Jean looked forward to her visits with her grandchildren and great grandchildren with a special eagerness. She had a strong endeavor to be part of their life. The child that was still in her would come out in a way that made those visits extra special.Jean is survived by her children: Gerald (Sally) of Stony Plain, Alberta, Marlene (Jim) Krutkewich of Minnedosa, Richard (Debora) of Roblin; son-in-law, Orville Cooley of Minnedosa; brother Douglas (Sylvia) Mykolaishyn of Dauphin; sister Nellie Stolarchuk of Roblin, sister-in-laws: Shirley Mykolaishyn of Grandview, Jennie Nykoliation of Rossburn; 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of mom’s life was held on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Josaphat’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Shoal Lake. Interment followed in the parish cemetery. Prayers were said at the church Tuesday evening at 6:00 p.m. Father Mykhaylo Khomitskyy officiated. Pallbearers were her grandchildren: Justin and Charmaine Dereniwski, Vanessa, Nicolas and Chris Krutkewich, Cheryl Karlenzing, Pam Gratton and Belinda Lewis. Crossbearer was Orville Cooley. Rae’s Funeral Service of Shoal Lake was in care of the arrangements.“One day she finally grasped that unexpected things were always going to happen in life and with that she realized the only control she had was how she chose to handle them. So she made the decision to survive using courage, humour, and grace. She was the queen of her own life and the choice was hers.”

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 08, 2014