It is with heavy hearts that the family of Mary Derkatch (nee Kyryluk), announce that our beloved Mother, Baba, and Babcha, passed away peacefully with family by her side at the age of 94 on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.
Born in Port Arthur on March 27, 1929 to William and Nellie Kyryluk, Mary attended Cornwall School, Queen Elizabeth School, and Port Arthur Technical Commercial High School (Hillcrest).
Mary shared many stories of her time growing up in the Coal Docks in Port Arthur. In her youth, Mary learned how to play the accordion and tap danced in recitals. She loved ice skating and spent time on the local rinks with her children and grandchildren.
Mary met the love of her life, Mike Derkatch, at a local dance and became immediately smitten. When Mike proposed marriage, he told Mary the date they were to get married because “that was when he had holidays”. Mike and Mary were married on June 16th, 1951, and moved to Westfort where they started a family a few years later. Together, they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage before Mike's passing in 2004.
In her early years, Mary worked part-time as a cashier at the Lake Theatre and Dairy Queen. She was a dedicated homemaker and the family home on Francis Street was filled with love and many good times. Holidays were filled with singing, dancing, laughter, great food, and of course Diborja. Many of her famous recipes live on through her children and grandchildren and will be passed down to the next generation (especially her delicious cherry cheesecake which was always the dessert for special occasions).
Mary was always up to date on current events from all over the world. Right up until her passing, she diligently read the newspaper, and loved to inform and discuss the daily news with her family and friends.
Mary was beautiful inside and out. She was humble with a big heart and made everyone feel special in their own way. She was a kind, compassionate, and generous person who had an amazing spirit. Mary was proud of her Ukrainian heritage and was thrilled that her grandchildren and great grandchildren carry on many traditions, including Ukrainian dancing, to this day. Most of all, Mary loved her family dearly and instilled strong values in all. She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew and loved her, and whose lives were touched by her genuine kindness, wisdom and friendship. A loving heart has gone to rest.
Mary is survived by daughters; Shirley Fuchek and Debbie (Doug) White; Grandchildren; Tanya (Shane) Carson, Ryan (Michelle) White, Tammy (Ryan) Taylor, Tara (Jeff) Van Dyk; and daughter-in-law Jan Derkatch. Great-grandchildren Atley and Gage Carson, Easton and Bauer Taylor, and Amber and Hudson Van Dyk, all of whom will miss their Babcha dearly. Mary is also survived by nieces Marian Boxer (Godchild), Linda (Paul) Drindak, nephew Sam (Margot Freitag) Bachinski and their children Mitchell and Claudia; Sisters-in-law Violet Johnston and Mary Derkatch (of Quesnel BC), and numerous relatives and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents William and Nellie Kyryluk, devoted husband Mike Derkatch, son Brian Derkatch, son-in-law Richard Fuchek, and sister Anne Bachinski, brother-in-law Samuel Bachinski, great-niece Susan Drindak, in-laws Thomas and Josephine Derkatch, as well as several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and other relatives.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Southbridge Pinewood, especially those who worked in the Sandpiper Unit, as well as Wesway who kindly and compassionately took care of our dear Mother. We are forever grateful.
Funeral Services for the late Mrs. Mary Derkatch will be held on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 1:00pm in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James, officiated by Pastor Matthew Diegel. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Northern Cardiac Fund payable to TBRHSF or a charity of your choice.
We love you with all of our hearts, Mom. ♥xoxo♥
Vech Naya Pomya
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
