Obituary of Zenovia Keryluk

KERYLUK, Zenovia December 26, 1930 – September 26, 2023 Our dear mother, Zenovia Keryluk, a long time resident of the Two Hills area passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at the age of 92. She was born December 26, 1930 and grew up on a farm in the Willingdon/Desjarlais/Shalka district. She had two older brothers Mike and John and a younger sister Anne. Mom married Peter D Keryluk on August 8, 1948 at Kaleland Church and stayed faithful to nearly 60 years of marriage. In 1952, Mom and Dad packed up Gerald (1950) and James (1951) and moved to a floating town, Holberg, on Vancouver Island for employment. Daughter Arlene was born in Port Alice in 1953. Farming was in their blood and the family returned to their Alberta roots in July 1953. A fruitful family followed: Myrna (1955), Lana (1958), Brent (1961), Christine (1964) Glenn (1966) and Tracy (1970). She often referred to her children as the “tribe or brood”. Hard work on the farm was the order of the day – everyday. Mom drove trucks, tractors, combines, and other machinery. She hauled grain and bales besides gardening, cooking, baking and cleaning for the family. Zenovia was the “farmer in charge” when our father was away for several winter months working in the Arctic. She was also the farm veterinarian and stayed awake during the night when a heifer had difficulty birthing. Zenovia’s love of education and determination enabled her to complete her high school diploma by correspondence. In 1972, Mom was accepted into the first Grant McEwan RN Program along with her daughter Arlene with resulting graduation in 1974. Now the real work began. As no challenge was beyond her, Mom packed up her younger family and temporarily relocated to her parents in Edmonton to attend nursing school. She travelled home on weekends for chores, cooking, cleaning and more work. Lifelong education was in her heart and she completed a Bachelor of Science Nursing degree from the University of Alberta in 1985. Mom worked in Two Hills and Willingdon hospitals and LTC as a staff nurse and unit manager for over 25 years and retired in 1995 from the front lines. Many of her patients were amazed at her accomplishments in view of her circumstances and had to physically touch her to see if she was real. Mom shared her kindness and hospitality with friends, neighbours, visitors and anyone else who showed up. Our home was always open to share a meal, especially for the lonely and disadvantaged. She loved her garden and spent endless hours planting and hoeing well into her late eighties. Mom loved to travel (with trips to Palm Springs, Hawaii, Ukraine, Australia and cruises to Alaska, South America, Caribbean and the Mediterranean) and learn about different cultures. Being physically active as a senior was on her radar. She floor curled and attended senior games for many years. Crib, “holla” cards and bingo were some of her favourite games. Baba’s 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren brought her great pride and immense joy during her twilight years. She always wanted to “feed them” and remember their birthdays. She was their special Baba. Zenovia is survived by her children: James, Arlene (Gene), Lana (Rodney), Brent, Christine, Glenn (Jay) and Tracy; 18 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; daughters in law Ruth Kereliuk and Lauren Kereluik; sister-in-law Natalie Karbashewski;and many nieces and nephews. Zenovia was predeceased by her husband Peter (2007), daughter Myrna (2012), son Gerald (2022), daughter-in-law Carolyn (2013), parents William and Helen (Billey) Karbashewski, brothers Mike Kirby and John Karbashewski and sister Anne Mykiwka, and in-laws Dan and Elizabeth Kereliuk. The family wishes to acknowledge the Two Hills Health Centre and Long Term Care doctors, staff, ambulance personnel and visitors who helped Zenovia navigate through her challenging illness. A Prayer Service will be held on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at the Two Hills Centennial Hall. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, October 2, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Szypenitz with Father Peter Haugen officiating. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. Donations are gratefully accepted to the Two Hills Health Care Centre Auxiliary Society.