SYLVIA JEAN DERENCHUK (BOHONOS)

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SYLVIA JEAN DERENCHUK
(nee BOHONOS)
October 18, 1930 - March 5, 2021

With loving memories, we announce the passing of our dear mother, baba, mother-in-law, aunty and friend. Sylvia left us peacefully at the Grace Hospital on March 5, 2021, at the age of 90.
She leaves behind to celebrate her rich contribution to our lives, her son Craig (Ana Maria Hiebert), daughter Carlyne (Alain Drouin), grandsons, Yanic, Sacha and Jeremy, as well as relatives and friends who loved her dearly. We take solace in knowing she is reunited with her beloved husband of 64 years, George, and son Grant.
Sylvia was the only child of John and Mary Bohonos, who immigrated from Ukraine in the late 1920s, settling in the North End of Winnipeg with other eastern Europeans. She spoke only Ukrainian until the age of five, when the girl next door taught her English in a little garage schoolhouse built by her dad.
Mom was a devoted wife and mother. Like many women in the 1960s, she left a successful secretarial career to raise a family.
When people think of Sylvia, her warm hospitality comes to mind first. She had a gift for making people feel at ease in her presence. Like an 'Oprah' of Linden Avenue, her openness and humour made people want to sit and chat for hours. Mom welcomed her friends, our friends, relatives and neighbours, making all feel as comfortable as she was in the home she decorated with flair and avant-garde style people compliment to this day.
Sylvia was the life of the party. She used her lovely singing voice to bring joy, bursting into song while Dad played accordion, at parties and sometimes even at the hospital! 'Those were the days!'
Mom got great pleasure from giving and touched many lives with her generosity. She baked cakes for neighbours who lost loved ones, consoled friends into the wee hours of the night, and gave gifts of money. She donated time to the local community club and got active in politics, supporting those who aimed to make a better world. She accepted everyone and showered us with unconditional love.
Mom had favourite expressions and quirks. 'How are you, Baba?' her grandchildren would ask. 'Still kicking!,' she'd say. Oddly enough, though very serene in her final days, she'd kick her feet to the side, making us wonder if she'd propel herself right off the bed!
During the last five weeks of her life, Mom endeared herself to many caregivers and staff at the Grace. We extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. George and all the staff for providing outstanding care and organizing Zoom calls with Mom every single day!
Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb. And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance. (The Prophet) Sylvia is truly singing and dancing now...... 'still kicking' too!
A family gathering to celebrate her life will be held when circumstances align.
You may consider honouring her memory by reaching out with flowers or a card to someone alone or in need of cheer, or simply 'raise a glass or two' in her name!

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 13, 2021