Dembisky, Nellie

Nellie Dembisky
August 15, 1921 –
June 23, 2012
The death of Nellie Dembisky, age 90 years, of Duck Lake, SK, occurred on Saturday, June 23, 2012. She is survived by her loving family: daughters Betty (Bob) Bourdon, Duck Lake, Carol (Bernie) Ogrodnick, Prince Albert, and Marilyn Dembisky, Saskatoon; grandchildren Eryn, Chris (Heather), Jennifer (Jesse), Kimberly (Jarred), and Heather Bourdon; Sara, Alex, and Eric Ogrodnick, and Brett Dembisky; and great-grandchildren Luc, Marc and Cannon. She was predeceased by her parents Michael and Pauline Sawka; sister Mary Kochan; brothers Mike and Joe; and nephew Bill.
Nellie was born near Hazel Dell, SK, on August 15, 1921. She completed her basic education at Turn Out Country School. In 1934 her Dad died after a stroke. She was still a young girl, but assumed responsibilities with her Mom on the homestead, where they lived with her older brother Mike and his family. She worked as a seamstress at the Jacob and Crowley Company in Winnipeg for a year during the war. In 1947 she married Sam Dembisky. They farmed until 1949, and then moved to Lintlaw, where Sam began a trucking business. In 1965, the family moved to Hudson Bay. She was an active member of the Ukrainian Catholic Parish and Women’s Group. Nellie was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She loved looking after her home and family. She enjoyed sewing and knitting, cooking and baking. As her girls grew up, she worked part-time for many years at Olsen Jewellers.
In 1978 Sam and Nellie moved to Duck Lake to be near their children and future grandchildren. They owned and operated Duck Lake Laundromat and Dry Cleaning. They made many lifelong friendships through the Moms & Dads Club and the Seniors Club. Nellie loved Blessed Sacrament Parish. She always opened her home to the parish priests, who often joined family gatherings. Her devotion to Our Lady drew her to the St. Laurent Shrine in the summer months.
After their retirement, Nellie and Sam travelled to the Maritimes. They loved to spend time visiting and enjoyed family camping trips to Candle Lake. Nellie loved working in her garden, picking berries and tending her flowers. Hosting family gatherings and providing delicious meals was Nellie’s specialty. She loved her family dearly. She knew each one’s favourite home baking, and they often went home with freshly baked treats. She continued to sew for her grandchildren and each child has a special quilt made by Gramma. Nellie was heart broken when Sam died of cancer in 2005. She helped her family care for him at home during his illness. She missed him very much, but her strong faith gave her the strength to carry on.
On August 15, 2011 she celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends.
Nellie died peacefully at home, fulfilling her prayers to remain independent as long as she could. Nellie will be sadly missed by her family and friends, as they fondly cherish her memory.
The Prayer Service was held on Thursday, June 28, 2012, and the Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, June 29. Both services were held at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Parish, Duck Lake, SK, with Reverend Father Cuong Luong as celebrant.
Interment took place at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Cemetery, Duck Lake.
Arrangements were in care of Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK. (funksfuneralhome.ca)

