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Sophie DERBAWKA Obituary
May 25, 1937 – May 19, 2016
It is with profound sadness that the family of Sophie Hazel Derbawka announces her sudden passing. Sophie was born in Two Hills, Alberta to the late Nick and Jennie Gorgichuk and lived there with her four siblings Olga Danyluk (deceased), Rosemarie (Jim) Nicas, Alex Gordichuk (deceased) and Lana (Norm) McIntyre until she left to pursue a degree in Education at the University of Alberta.
After graduation, she returned to Two Hills to teach English and French at the Two Hills High School. It was then that Sophie's flaming red hair and sparkling personality caught the eye of Dr. Allen Derbawka. They married and moved to Edmonton so Allen could complete his specialty in Pathology and they could raise their children. When her children were grown, Sophie developed a love of golf and was very active in the Ladies Golf Club at Victoria Golf Course. For all of her many accomplishments in life, Sophie's greatest pride came from her family. She is survived by her loving husband and best friend of 53 years, Allen, her son Richard (Sandy) of Alpharetta, GA and her daughter Janet (Ernie Hee) of Vancouver, BC. She was an especially proud Baba to her grandchildren, Nick and Matt of Alpharetta, GA and Ryan and Ava of Vancouver, BC.
We were blessed by the vast amount of love Sophie bestowed on her family. She lives on in our hearts and we are forever her family. To honour Sophie's wishes a family memorial will be held at a later date. Donations in her memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Murray Ninowski
May 26, 2016
Allen, Rick (and family) and Janet (and family) ..... my deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. While it is a difficult time for all of you ....I have so many memories of all the great times we all had together. I was just musing how Olga and Sophie exit this world only a few months apart. Better days are ahead .... in the meantime do not hesitate to call me (780-486-5617) or send an email to ([email protected]) .......
Don Humphreys
May 26, 2016
Dear Rick, Janet, Al and family,
We were deeply saddened to hear about Sophie. I remember her as a lady with lots of energy and a big smile. Our thoughts are with you all.
The Humphreys'
Sandra & Kelly Harvey
May 26, 2016
Dear Al, Janet, Rick and Family
We are so very shocked and saddened to hear of Sophie's passing. Sophie and I were great friends and spent many years golfing together and meeting for lunch. Your family was so lucky to have such a wonderful, loving and caring mother and wife and as well we are so grateful to have had her as our special friend. Please know we are grieving with you.
Nettie Ninowski
May 26, 2016
Dear Allen and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Sophie as a very gracious lady with a warm welcoming smile.
Nettie Ninowski and family.
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Samuelette Wilinski-Schwake
May 24, 2016
I knew Sophie from when I was a little girl in Two HIlls. Her older sister Olga went with our family on holiday one summer and took care of us. As we all grow older, I recall Sophie as a beautiful redhead who was very kind and well spoken. She used to see my Mom at Woodward's when my mother worked there and she never failed to stop and chat. It is sad to see that Sophie has passed but you can be sure she is remembered as a beautiful person. While most of memories are from long ago, a brief reminder here brings all that is good back. May she rest in peace and may her family have wonderful memories to give them comfort and peace. My parents were in hotel business in Two Hills from 1944 to 1952 and knew the Gordichuk family well all those years ago.
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16310 STONY PLAIN RD , Edmonton, AB T5P 4A6
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