FUNERAL DETAILS: scroll to the bottom of the obituary.
TO LEAVE A CONDOLENCE MESSAGE: click on the “Memory Wall” tab above
TO MAKE A MEMORIAL DONATION to Friends of Unit 3B c/o Hospital of Regina Foundation: scroll to the bottom of this page and follow the link or call 306-781-7500 or visit www.hrf.sk.ca/donate
The family has also suggested that a gift of blood to Canadian Blood Services would be a fitting memorial.
It is with great sadness our family announces the passing of our beloved Mom, Gloria Doroshenko. With her three children by her side, Mom passed away peacefully in the early evening on Thursday, May 19, 2022.
Gloria was born in Canora, Saskatchewan, and raised just north in the hamlet of Amsterdam. Mom had a carefree upbringing, helping look after her younger brother Don, and playing with favourite cousin Tania who lived across the street.
When she was 15, our Mom left her cozy hamlet home to attend high school in Canora. After boarding for a year, she ended up renting a room and lived off sealed containers of our Baba’s cooking from Monday to Friday.
Ever since she was old enough to dream, Mom envisioned herself teaching students. Upon graduation, that dream was realized when she attended Teacher’s College and went on to a career that spanned 37 years. Prior to that career taking off, Gloria asked a young teacher named Eugene to accompany her to her graduation dance. The date went well…they married July 16, 1960.
After their honeymoon to Yellowstone, Gloria and Eugene began their real adventure teaching together. Mom’s first job was educating Grade 1 and 2 students in the town of Mayfair, Saskatchewan. In 1963, a more permanent move happened when positions opened up for both of them in the town of Whitewood. Mom settled into teaching Grade 1, moving to Grade 4, then finally finding her role introducing education to the area’s kindergarten students.
Whitewood proved to be the perfect fit in more ways than one, when Mom and Dad took the next step and began their family, raising their three children, Jan, Sonia and Trevor.
Gloria and Eugene also discovered their passion for community, sitting on local service clubs, Mom’s being Royal Purple. However, she was pleased to add coaching baseball, organizing craft sales, teas, volunteering at the curling rink, and participating with the United Church Women to the list of tasks she felt made a town just a little bit better.
However, they made time for themselves too. Always up for a road trip, Mom and Dad were not afraid to pull their kids across country on vacation. But time spent at the cabin at Round Lake brought out the best memories. The lakeside retreat was also a starting point to countless dances at the halls along Round Lake’s shoreline. Dancing with Dad was one of Mom’s favourite hobbies.
Retirement finally arrived in 1997, although Mom still realized a desire to instruct by often filling substitute teaching roles. Retirement did eventually result in a retirement lifestyle. Mom and Dad found more time to visit their children. They also found more time to escape their children, and the winter, by fleeing to Arizona on multiple occasions. Mom’s favourite place ultimately was Saskatchewan. She created a floral paradise in her back yard in Whitewood, found joy in her circle of friends, and eventually discovered the fulfilling role of Grandma.
Life changed drastically in 2007 when Gloria lost her mother and husband within four months of each other. Mom filled her time with new activities. She practised yoga. She bought herself a kayak. And she decided to try snorkelling in the Pacific Ocean, upon her first trip to Hawaii.
In 2010, Mom began a new journey with John Yeo. For the next 10 years, they created their own adventures. They travelled to both Canadian coasts, ventured to Hawaii, Arizona, Branson, and all corners of our province. Last but not least, Mom found another dancing partner.
Mom lost John to illness in 2020. It happened one year after her own diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Mom was fearless in her fight, and refused to let regular chemotherapy treatments hold her back. Even though the pandemic presented its own challenges, Mom mastered FaceTime video chats, enthusiastically explored her new town of Regina, and still helped her kids plant their gardens. And once restrictions lifted, she got back to dancing once again with her friend Floyd Pleckham.
Mom’s battle with cancer ended on May 19, 2022. The wonderfully compassionate care of the Oncology Ward and Palliative Care Unit at Regina’s Pasqua Hospital made Mom’s final journey as comfortable as possible.
Cancer didn’t prevail, however. Our Mom won. Hands down. We celebrate her full life, the eternal love of her husband, family and friends, and the desire to dance until she literally cannot dance any longer. Her heart is full. Vichnaya Pam’yat.
Gloria was predeceased by her husband, Eugene; infant son Lyle Eugene; her parents, John and Katie Danyluk; Eugene’s parents, Annie and Nick Doroshenko; brother-in-law Ernie Strocen; and her partner, John Yeo. She’ll be forever remembered by her children, Jan (Bill), Sonia (Mark) and Trevor (Lisa); grandchildren Will and Blake; honorary grandchildren Kiedis and Van; brother Don (Eileen) Danyluk; brothers-in-law Jacob (Sylvia) Doroshenko, Lorne (Sally) Doroshenko and Mervin (Sandra) Doroshenko; sister-in-law Elsie Strocen; numerous nieces, nephews and many special friends.
Gloria’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at Whitewood United Church at 2:00 pm. Memorial donations can be made to the Friends of Unit 3B, c/o Hospitals of Regina Foundation.
Mom’s treatment and quality of life was greatly enhanced by Canadian Blood Services. Please consider giving the gift of life in our Mom’s memory.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gloria Doroshenko Thursday May 19 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Whitewood, Province: Saskatchewan
Our sincere condolences to the Doroshenko Family. Marc and I were lucky enough to have crossed paths with our friend Sonia’s mom on many occasions. Gloria always made us feel welcome when we visited Round Lake. Her smile and her energy were contagious! Sending love and courage to Sonia, Jan and Trevor, and their families. Xoxoxo Lise & Marc
We were so sorry to hear the loss of your mom. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Condolences to the Doroshenko family
Bill & Sharon Cymbalisty