Phyllis Derkach

Phyllis was born at the Canora Union Hospital, Canora, SK, on December 3, 1945. She attended elementary school in Arabella and high school in Norquay, SK. On August 18, 1962, Phyllis married Mervin Derkach at Hyas, SK. She farmed with her husband in the Danbury district for seven years, prior to their moved to Toronto, ON, where Phyllis worked in a factory, named Gabriel, making shock absorbers. After 3 years, her son and daughter didn’t like the city, so the family returned to Norquay, which was closer to the land that they owned. Phyllis worked at several businesses, but banking and financial positions were her main occupations. She also ran a business with her son and was active with the farming, logging, and within the many ventures that her son owned and operated. She was active with sports and supported the many activities of her children and grandchildren. Additionally, for many years, she was the president of St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church in Norquay. Phyllis’s passion was her family, and her greatest moments were when her children were born. She cherished each and every moment they spent with her. She also adored and was so proud of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Life’s greatest moments include their births and then every cherished minute they were around her. She did anything possible for them all. Her biggest regret was not being able to be there all the time for her children when they were growing up, because she was always working. She worked hard all her life to make their house a home. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Phyllis was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Sophia; husband, Mervin; and her brother, Wesley.She is survived by her son, Tim (Renia) Derkach; her daughter, Tammy Derkach; five grandchildren: Tyson, Rhea (Blake), Richele (Riley), Terri (Brayden), and Trudy; four great-grandchildren: Carmen, Carly, Theo, and Bryson; sister, Rose (Carl) Holinaty; and her sister-in-law, Kim Naclia; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. In Phyllis’s honour, a Prayer Service was held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 4, 2023, and the Funeral Service at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 5, 2023, both from the Chapel of Leson’s Funeral Home, Canora, SK, with Rev. Fr. Michael Faryna officiating. Interment followed in the Canora Cemetery, Canora, SK. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the Norquay Health Centre Auxiliary, as tokens of remembrance, in memory of Phyllis Derkach.