FRANKO - Martha was born on August 10, 1922 on the family farm near Springside, SK to Alex and Palahna (nee Shumay) Derow the seventh child in a family of 12. Martha attended Springside School and helped out at home. She married Michael Franko on October 10, 1948 at Whitesand Church. They moved to Prince George for a brief time and then their prairie roots brought them back to Watson, Saskatchewan where they made their home and raised their family of four. Martha was a very dedicated to her faith. She is one of the two last remaining members of the St. Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Watson. She worked very hard to keep the church alive and was very active in the church's women's association. The Ukrainian heritage was very important to her and she continued to provide wonderful meals and celebrations in the traditional Ukrainian way. As her health started to fail she would continue to try to carry the traditions on. Her family brought her the greatest joy especially at Christmas when everyone would come home. Martha was a very giving person no one left her home empty handed usually with a very tasty care package. If you happen to attend the Easter Basket Blessing celebration at the church Martha would make sure you left with either a painted Easter Egg, Pussy Willow branch or a wonderful loving hug. "Baba" to everyone, she was famous for her weed-free garden and sharing the bounty and her super-sour dill pickles. Then came bingo, playing cards and loving her grand and great grandchildren. Martha will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her four children, 10 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren: CAROLE and Doug Haussecker of Watson and family Jim and Jodi Haussecker and children Dylan and Connor of Watson and Lana and Derek Woulfe and children Hunter, Jaden and Trey of Marean Lake; IRIS and Gordon Dempster of Hudson Bay and family David Harcourt of Edmonton, Scott Dempster and daughter Christine and Kyle Dempster all of Saskatoon; DAN Franko of Watson and family Trish and Wayne Nordquist and son Lucas, Todd Franko and Amy Franko all of Calgary, AB; and HOWARD and Janice Franko of LeRoy and family Joey Franko and Jamie and Marlys Franko and children Brynn and Micah all of Edmonton, AB; and by numerous nieces and nephews. Martha was predeceased by parents Alex and Palahna Derow; husband Mike; and her 11 siblings: Mary, Bill, John, Polly, Ann, Fred, Metro, Nellie, Mike, Peter and Nick; and members of the Franko family. A Prayer Service was held on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. A Funeral Service was held on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 10:00 a.m., officiated by Very Rev. Archpriest Peter Wasylenko. Others taking part in the service were: cantor, Jason Kopan; palomar, Nick Kaweski; cross bearer, Doug Haussecker and banner bearer Gordon Dempster. Words of Remembrance were shared by Lana Woulfe. Pallbearers were: David Harcourt, Jim Haussecker, Joey Franko, Scott Dempster, Kyle Dempster and Derek Woulfe. Interment followed at St. Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery, Watson. Memorial Donations in Martha's memory may be directed to St. Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery or Children's Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to MALINOSKI & DANYLUIK FUNERAL HOME Humboldt, SK.
