PAULINE KOLIBAB

Pauline Kolibab
(nee Byskal)
June 23, 1920 – February 1, 2014
It is with sadness that the family of Pauline Kolibab announce her passing on February 1, 2014. Pauline was born at home on the family homestead in St. Julien (near Wakaw) on June 23, 1920. She was only 4 years old when her mother died, and until Pauline's final days she kept a picture of her mother nearby, and close to her heart. Pauline was predeceased by her husband, Michael (1998); son, Lawrence (2005); her parents, George/Yurko and Barbara/Warwara (Tokaryk); sisters, Anna Werbicki, Maria Bodnarchuk, Pearl Nyirfa, Josephine Traskowsky, Mary Rhode, and Ethel/Natalka Nykiforuk; brothers, Fred, Nick, Matt, Sam and Andrew; and several siblings in infancy. She is survived, and will be missed, by daughters, Ann (Julian) Dziadyk, Betty (Bill) Werbicki, and Barbara (Very Reverend Father Phillip) Eriksson; son, Bernie (Pat) and daughter-in-law, Mary Kolibab. Pauline will also be fondly remembered by her 14 grandchildren, Sharlene (Eugene) Kutilin, Brenda (Jeff) Bahn, Carol (Ron) Tetreault, Darcy (Randy) Huisman; Vince (Michelle) and Glen (Zenia) Dziadyk; Guy (Nelda) and Jay (Cindy) Werbicki; Curtis (Shantel), Michael (Sarah), and Ryan (Holly Kral) Kolibab; Jordan Eriksson, Krista (Reverend Father Matthew) Francis; and Annika (Cam) Mang; 18 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; sister in law, Ling Nelson (San Francisco); numerous nieces and nephews; Michael's family in Slovakia, and Michael's special great-niece Andrea Soscia and family in Toronto. In 1936, at the age of 16 and after a very brief courtship, Pauline married our father, Michael. Mom joined Dad at his meager farm establishment in the Merryhome District near Blaine Lake where their oldest son, Lawrence, was born at home in 1938; in 1942, their first daughter, Ann, was delivered by a mid-wife. In 1944, they took over Pauline's family homestead in St. Julien and that year, their second daughter, Betty, was born- followed by son, Bernie, in 1951, and youngest daughter, Barbara, in 1956. For many years after their marriage, Michael and Pauline continued to endure extreme hardships common for the times. They moved to Saskatoon in 1962, but continued to farm for several years thereafter. Even after their sons took over the farm, they continued their frequent involvement and never lost the "love of the land." Over time, it became possible for Pauline and Michael to travel several times to Europe to visit Michael's family and tour many historical spots. They also enjoyed several holidays to Eastern and Western Canada, a bus trip to Yuma, frequent visits to Tacoma, Washington to visit Pauline's brother Nick and sister-in-law Ling, Hawaii, and numerous times to their favourite spots of Radium Hot Springs and Manitou Beach (Watrous) with family, or special friends Steve and Nettie Michayluk. Many wonderful years were also spent at the family cottage at Wakaw Lake. Pauline will be remembered as a caring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who while still able, was the matriarch of our family, hosting frequent family get-togethers and activities well in to her 80's. She prided herself with her incredible cooking/baking talents, her bountiful gardens, her sewing skills, her immaculate home, her warm hospitality to family and friends, and her appearance. She greatly valued her Ukrainian heritage and traditions, and her beautiful kolach and koroval creations were an art to behold during Christmas and Easter, and at most of her grandchildren's weddings. She had a deep faith, and was a great teacher of family values, love and caring- and was a very positive influence in the lives of her children and grandchildren. It saddened the family as Mom's health began to deteriorate and when at the age of 86 it was necessary to place her in a long term care facility. Our appreciation to the staff of Quality Care Homes and subsequently Stensrud Lodge, for their care during her final years. Pauline was a lifetime member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, in her later years being a member of the All Saints Parish in Saskatoon. Prayers will be held on Wednesday, February 5, 2014 at 7:30 PM; the Funeral Service will be held Thursday, February 6, 2014 at 10:30 AM. Both services will be officiated by the Very Reverend Father Kocur and Very Reverend Father Phillip Eriksson at the All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 2616 Louise Street. Her grandchildren will serve as pallbearers and honourary pallbearers. There will be a lunch in the church auditorium shortly after the funeral service, followed by interment at Woodlawn Cemetery where she will join her husband in their final resting place. In lieu of flowers, donations to a worthy cause would be appreciated. We will always remember and love you Mom, Baba, and Great-Baba. Vichnaya Pamnat!