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On December 10, 2020, Mrs. Olga Kolybaba of Waskatenau passed away at the age of 89 years. She is survived by 4 sons & 3 daughters, Peter (Doris) of Waskatenau, Paul (friend, Nancy) of Weasel Creek, Olivia (Ron) Megley of Edmonton, Steven (Denise) of Waskatenau & Morris of Weasel Creek, Elaine (Wayne) Selesky of Redwater & Joyce (Rick) Kelly of Lamont; 10 grandchildren & 22 great-grandchildren; sister, Joyce (Ed) Karvonen of Waskatenau; numerous nieces & nephews. Mrs. Kolybaba was predeceased by her husband, Dmytro in 1996; parents, Nick & Annie Zacharko; 2 infant brothers, Michael & John; brother, Paul; brother-in-law, Raymond Andrusiak.
Olga was born November 16, 1931 to Nick & Annie Zacharko of Waskatenau. She attended Brighton School from the fall of 1939 to June of 1948, completing her Junior High School Education and due to lack of transportation, did not continue into High School. During this time, everyone had to work extra hard on the farm before modern equipment was available. She was taught by her parents “When you do your work, always do it well/ do it once, not twice” and she taught her children the same values of taking pride in your work.
At an early age, Olga had a flare for baking. She and her brother Paul were making mud pies and they decided that their baking could stand improvement and since the hens laid plenty of eggs, why not try new recipes? Not long after their mother learned of the famous bakery behind the hen house and shut that production down immediately. She always made time to smell the flowers, hear the birds, tame farm animals into pets and enjoy nature.
On October 8, 1950, Olga married Dmytro Kolybaba whom she met at a dance. Together, they raised seven children on the farm at Weasel Creek where they resided for 34 years. Olga always wanted a big family and got what she bargained for. Both her and Dmytro were very proud of them all wishing them success and happiness in their own lives.
Throughout the years, there were many struggles due to weather leaving Olga and the children on the farm and Dmytro having to go out for a while. In 1951, Their first crop was lost due to a severe hail storm. In 1953, crops were threshed from under wet snow. It wouldn’t be the last crop disaster.
Throughout this, she had to be strong and kept on with daily chores. She also raised chickens for sale as every farm wife seemed to do for extra income, (Not 100 chickens, but 1,000). The family found laughter, dance, music and fond memories to cherish.
Being very artistic and talented, she embroidered shirts and made the Ukrainian costumes for Thorhild Dancing Club; also Kuvavi’s for weddings. She enjoyed reading, picking wild mushrooms, making ceramic ornaments, gardening and loved her flowers; even enjoyed fishing. At one time she sure could make beautiful Ukrainian Easter eggs.
In the fall of 1983 Dmytro and Olga retired from farming and moved to a new house in Waskatenau which happened to be Dmytro’s latest building project. There, she became involved in darts, curling, card games and bingo with her lady friends. They then had more time to travel and Olga became more involved with the church; eventually being the Treasurer. In her spare time she enjoyed now making perohe and cabbage rolls for people.
In her later years, she enjoyed going to Peppers with her friends, sister Joyce and brother Paul. She was very fortunate to be able to drive until she was 87 and enjoyed going to greenhouses, shopping and visiting her children. She also just had to have her petunias and geraniums planted. Her gardening did eventually end and ended up being one tomato plant. She was able to reside in her home until March of 2019, but had to move due to health reasons. She was ready then and moved to Thorhild Lodge which she liked very much especially knowing a lot of the people there that she used to call neighbors from Weasel Creek. The staff was great to her. In all, Olga had a very fulfilling & good life, We will all miss her.
A Private Graveside Service will be held at St. Volodymir Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery, Waskatenau with Reverend Father Michael Maranchuk officiating. If desired, donations may be made to St. Volodymir Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Waskatenau c/o 5626-51 Street St. Paul, Alberta, T0A 3A1. To send condolences online, please visit www.gracegardensfuneralchapel.com.
GRACE GARDENS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 5626 – 51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1 780-645-2677
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Olga KOLYBABA November 16 1931
December 10 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: St. Paul, Province: Alberta