DUBYK, Bessie (Wasylina) : Our precious mother, Bessie (Wasylina) passed away on June 15, 2013 at the Battleford District Care Centre with her daughters at her side. Bessie was born in Horodenka Ukraine, on January 7, 1924 to parents Annie and John Byckal. In September of 1927, at the age of 3 she travelled by ship with her mother to Canada where they reunited with her father who had come ahead to settle in the Alticane district. Life was hard farming new settled land and then with the drought in the 1930's, it became even harder. She attended Orel and Canada Schools, walking many times fearful of the snakes that would be coming out of the gopher holes due to the drought. As a young girl, Mom enjoyed needlework done by the light of the coal oil lamp in the evenings. Mom very much enjoyed her younger years at home. Chores like taking the buggy and horse to Alticane to get supplies and to pick up mail were fond memories. She was married to Joseph Dubyk in October of 1939. They had four children, Walter born in 1944, Orest, in 1945 and twin girls Linda and Louise in 1953. She loved raising her family on the farm. Mom enjoyed animals: raising chicken, geese, cattle, turkeys, pigs, goats and ducks were her favourite. During the tougher years, she was milking cows morning and evening to ship cream which at times was the only income other than a small family allowance. Mom was an excellent cook, an expert at making varenyky, cabbage rolls, cinnamon buns, donuts and baking bread - all in the wood cook stove. Mom was the rock of the family, growing a huge garden and leading in the all farm chores. Her family always came first - it was never about her needs. Mom fondly spoke of trips by train from Alticane to North Battleford - and an adventure of staying in the city for a few days due to a snowstorm that crippled the province. She talked about the men having to go clear the train tracks by hand in order to get the trains going again. Social life was with the neighbours, often getting together to enjoy good fellowship and food. After raising her children, she continued to assist in raising the grandchildren. Always available to babysit, bringing a bag of those great homemade donuts. Sundays were always family days at the farm - Mom always cooking a great meal - it seemed without effort, happy to have her children and grandchildren visiting. Ukrainian Easter and Christmas were very special events. Mom regrettably left the farm, after over 50 years of farming. Mom and Dad retired to Battleford after building a farming operation from nothing. In 2009, with the grace of God, Mom survived critical surgery and after several months in hospital, bravely surrendered her independence to move to Battlefords District Care Home where she adapted very well, making new friends with residents and staff. Recently, Louise was telling mom how good a mother she was to her- mom simply replied all mothers would do the same; indicative of her selfless nature - a servant to her family. Grandchildren's Memories ~ Neale remembers Baba always being in the kitchen, showing her love and nurturing through food. Always working dough for more perogies, rolling cabbage rolls or saying eat eat to her family - always serving and never sitting herself. Jason - spent a lot of time with Baba and Gido as a young boy and he remembers going to North Battleford to pick up baby chicks and helping to feed the farm animals with Baba. She also taught him to carry two pails, it was easier to carry two then one for balance. Jason only remembers Baba getting angry at the grandkids once when she was babysitting and a food fight broke out with cabbage rolls that Baba made for supper. Nikki remembers Baba giving her rides in the wheel barrel as they went to feed the pigs and do the chores. Robin remembers cutting wood with Baba. Baba was always such a hard worker, cutting wood and then ensuring everyone was able to eat with an amazing meal. Ronnie - He remembers watching Baba shoveling grain in the bin. And whenever pulling up to the farm, he remembers seeing Baba at the end of the sidewalk and the first thing she would say is "come eat" and then walking into the house to the smell of fresh bread and the amazing home made donuts. Shelley remembers when she graduated high school, Baba pulled her aside to tell her that Gido and her were both proud of her being the first grandchild to graduate and that she was so happy to be included in the day and the whole time she was saying this, she was hugging me so tight, it made feel like the most special person in the world. Maureen - Baba was making a quilt for me to fit a full size bed when Roland and I got engaged. She decided to make it 2 feet longer because Roland was so tall. She then later made a quilt for baby Dylan." Mom led a simple life but was wise in the ways of life and love - always putting everyone first, never thinking of herself and had an incredible work ethic, so apparent in all of grandchildren's memories. Lovingly remembered her children, Walter (Florence), and family: Ronald Dubyk (Michelle) - Kaitlyn; Shelley Dubyk - Lane; Maureen Roth (Matt) - Dylan & Rayleen; Louise Sendecki (Terry) and family: Nikki Sendecki (Calvin); Neale Sendecki (Marikate) - Charlotte & Adelaide; Linda Jackson (Don) and family: Jason Jackson (Rochelle); - Braden; Robin Jackson (Kimber) - Tyler. Cousins in Horodenka, Ukraine. Bessie is predeceased by her parents; John and Annie Byckal; husband, Joseph Dubyk; son, Orest Dubyk; brother, Peter Byckal; grandson-in-law, Roland Roth. The Panakhyda (Prayer Service) was held on June 20, 2013 and the Funeral Divine Liturgy on June 21, 2013 at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of All Saints, North Battleford. The family would like to thank everyone who sent food, flowers and their expressions of sympathy and kind words at this very sad time, and to the staff of Battlefords District Care Center for their compassionate care. We would also to thank Father Vladimir for celebrating the Panakhyda and Funeral Divine Liturgy; Ann Prystupa and the choir, and Paul Kardynal for the assistance in the services; Jeanette Deptuch and the UCWLC for serving coffee and lunch; Battleford Funeral Services for their professional assistance. MOMMA It is so painful to say goodbye, you did not deserve what you went through. You are our rock, so strong and yet so gentle. Overlooking all of our faults. Providing leadership through your actions with unconditional love. Enduring a hard life with a smile. So giving of yourself, so we would not go without. Seeing our needs and providing without question. Feeling our pain and seeing our hardships - Guiding and protecting us from the world and also from ourselves. How can we fill your shoes or even follow your footsteps? How can we say goodbye? It is an honor and privilege to be your children. We miss you so much. Your children Vichnaya Pamiat ____________________________________________________
