In Loving Memory of

Darlene Verna Desanko

Sep 23, 2024

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Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, great-aunt, and friend, Verna Desanko passed away peacefully at the age of 79 years.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Dwayne (Sherry) Desanko, Deanne Elliott, Denise (Kevin) Kisilevich, Dan Desanko; grandchildren: Matthew (Danielle) Liburdi, Chris Liburdi, David Elliott, Carly Haines, Nick Desanko, Jackson Desanko, Tess Kisilevich, Quinn Kisilevich, Dustin Desanko, and Tiffany Desanko; great-grandchild, Jax Liburdi; many great-nieces and nephews; many great-great-nieces and nephews; surviving brother, Ellis Dankow; and brother-in-law, John Nykoluk.

She was predeceased by her parents, Steve & Ahafia (Sophie) Dankiw; loving husband of 58 years, Don Desanko; son-in-law, Lance Elliott; daughter-in-law, Lanette Desanko; and brothers and sisters: Bill & Mary (Shymko) Dankow, Kate & Steve Chmarney, Olga & Peter Kizlyk, Elsie & Walter Zwarych, Mike & Helen (Lozinski) Dankow, Dora Dankiw, Polly & Peter Cenaiko, Sophie & Henry Schinkel, Anna & Bill Kizlyk, Anne (Hansuk) Dankow, Stella & Joseph Yakimchuk, Helen Nykoluk, and Doris & Vic Finnbogason.

A bit about mom: It didn’t matter who you were, she always welcomed you with open arms and a big smile and a hug.

In the summer months her and Dad would spend as much time as they could at the lake. She absolutely loved to fish and sing songs around the campfire. In the winter months they would spend 3 weeks of the year in Mazatlan.

She created countless memories with friends and family that traveled with them to Mexico. It was truly their second home for them for over 25 years. During the rest of the year, she enjoyed playing cards with friends and family, doing puzzles and going to church every Sunday, along with following all the Ukrainian Catholic traditions.

She loved to cook, garden, watch the Young and the Restless, and played an active role in her grandchildren’s’ lives. For the past 10 years, on the long weekends, mom sold her perogies and cabbage rolls at the Famers Market at Mulhurst.

This past spring, she traveled alone to California for 3 weeks to meet her first great-grandson and cherished every moment with him. If there was anything one needed, she always found a way to help. Mom was truly an amazing person and will be missed. She is in Heaven now, back with Dad, and playing cards with all her brothers and sisters. Love you always!

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at the University of Alberta Hospital (Neurology) for their care and compassion in Mom’s last days.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at St. Basil Ukrainian Catholic Church, 7007 109 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T6H 3B9, with the Interment to follow at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, 4814 Meridian St NW, Edmonton, AB, T6P 1R3.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made in Verna Desanko’s name to STARS Air Ambulance, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary, AB, T2E 8M7.

Arrangements entrusted to Foster & McGarvey Downtown Funeral Home.