Anna Demkiw

ANNA DEMKIW (nee USZTAN)

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of our dear mother, baba and great baba Anna Demkiw at the age of 92 years at Holy Family Home on Wednesday, May 8, 2019.  
 
 Mom was predeceased by her beloved husband John (Iwan) in December 2017 and son George Michael in April 2007, as well as her parents in Ukraine.  She is survived by daughter Mary (Dan), sons Terry (Myrna), Michael (Lana), grandchildren Lee-Anna, Lynn (Eric), Chelsea, Samantha (Mark), Matthew (Josee), Karlene (William), Amy (Jordan), Madison (Cody), Nick, Tristan, Jenna and 12 great grandchildren.  

Mom was born July 1, 1926 in Kolomyja, Ukraine.  Mom's life as she knew it on the farm was cut short when, at the age of 15, she was taken away to work in a German labour camp during the war, never to return home or see her family again.  Mom and dad met at the end of the war and then married on their 3rd date in Bradford, England in 1949. They were married for 70 years!  

In 1953 they immigrated to Canada and settled in Winnipeg.  Along with a strong faith in God, she persevered with hard work, determination and unbelievable courage to start a new life in Canada.  Mom was a strong Ukrainian Catholic and a proud Canadian who never forgot her heritage and Ukrainian roots.  She was an amazing cook - THE very best perogies, holopchi and paska, just to name a few. These were some of the ways she carried on the traditions from home, especially at Christmas and Easter.  She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening and embroidery.  She opened her home and welcomed all our friends who often called her “mom” as well.  

Although road trips throughout Canada and the USA were mom's favorite, the true joy of mom's life was her family.   She had unconditional love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They always came first for her.  We will always cherish her tenderness and great love for all of us.  

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the wonderful staff on St. John's unit at Holy Family. They always treated our mom with kindness, gentleness, heart-felt care and respect throughout her time there as she struggled to adjust to life without Tato.  The family is so grateful for the spiritual care and the Ukrainian environment that really helped her feel at home.  
 
Mom always lead by example and she was an inspiration to us and others who knew her. She overcame huge barriers in life, while always treating people fairly. She also managed to keep her own heritage alive and at the same time respect the opportunities her new life in Canada provided her.  She has left us with many wonderful memories and taught us to be better people.  We will miss her very much.  It gives us great comfort to know that mom is finally reunited with Tato and George in Heaven, as she was so sad without them here on earth. 

As requested by mom, a private family service will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, with Right Rev. Msgr. Michael. Buyachok officiating.  In lieu of flowers, donations in mom's memory can be made to a charity of choice.  
 
Khrystos Voskres!

Korban Funeral Chapel

(204) 956-2193

www.korbanchapel.com