VERNA MERKO

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VERNA MERKO It is with deep sadness and love that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother on Friday, November 1, 2002 at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre at the age of 85 years. Verna leaves to mourn and cherish many fond memories; daughters, Mary and husband Emil Pitura of Ethelbert, Adeline and husband Stan Shymanski of Winnipeg; son Michael Merko and wife Darlene of Spruce Grove, AB; seven grandchildren, Beverley Pitura and Nino, Lisa Pitura and Eric, Jason Shymanski and wife Brenda, Janet Shymanski, Charlene and husband Michael Plosz, Sheldon Merko and wife Gemma and Jolene Merko; one great-granddaughter Sara Merko; one brother Steve Merko and wife Ruby of Atobicoke; one sister Anne and husband Mike Swientach of Ethelbert; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Verna was predeceased by her husband Andrew Merko; son Arthur Merko; parents, Julianna and Leon Merko; sister Mary Sametz; and brother Matt Merko. Verna was born on February 25, 1917 at Ethelbert, MB. In 1936 she married Andrew, her husband and partner for 60 years. Together they farmed in the Kulish District until 1942. They then moved to the Loon Lake area and continued farming until their retirement to the village of Ethelbert in 1976. Above all else, Verna placed her trust in faith and prayer, bringing great comfort to herself and her family. She was a dedicated parishioner of SS. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church and was a member of the U.C.W.L.C. for 45 years, serving as recording secretary for several years. She also belonged to the Apostleship of Prayer Group. Verna deeply valued and maintained her Ukrainian culture and traditions, which were exemplified by her beautiful cross-stitch work, Easter egg decorating, cooking and baking and holy day rituals. Verna was a skilled seamstress, often creating her own patterns while designing clothing, quilts, pot holders and thelike, this was a hobby she was able to enjoy in her later years. Verna lived a simple and hard working life, laced with much sacrifice for the needs of her family. She truly possessed an admirable sense of courage and humility. The fighting spirit with which she endured the daily struggles of chronic illness for so many years, was an awesome example to all. A rosary service was conducted by the Apostleship of Prayer and the U.C.W.L.C. on Thursday, November 7 at 6:30 p.m. followed by prayers at 7:00 p.m. from the SS. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church. Funeral service was held on Friday, November 8 at 10:30 a.m. from the Ethelbert SS. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church. Rev. Fr. Eugene Rudachek officiated and interment followed in the Parish Cemetery. Mrs. Areta Kozar served as cantor. Crossbearer for the service was Jolene Merko and Adeline Shymanski offered the Eulogy. Pallbearers were Janet Shymanski, Jason Shymanski, Sheldon Merko, Lisa Pitura, Emil Pitura and Carl Pitura. Memorial donations may be made to the Manitoba Lung Association, 8 - 940 Princess Ave., Brandon, MB, R7A 0P6 or to the charity of ones choice. The Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Service had care of the arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 16, 2002