How does one put into a few short words 85 years of dedicated and faithful living? Dobrodiyka Sylvia Rybalka, beloved wife of Rt. Rev. Protopresbyter Jakiw Rybalka, peacefully fell asleep in the Lord on Friday, November 27, 2020, at Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert, SK. Sylvia was born near Gilbert Plains, MB on September 10, 1935, the daughter of Eliah and Anna Dykun. Sylvia grew up on the family farm. After graduation, she had a short teaching career until June 10, 1955, when she united in Holy Matrimony with the future Fr. Jakiw Rybalka. They marked their 65th Wedding anniversary in 2020. Together, hand in hand they have carried the “cross of the Orthodox Priesthood” Their journey took them from Oakburn, MB, to the district of Hafford, SK, Smokey Lake, AB and area, Vernon, BC, Regina, SK, and finally Prince Albert, SK. Mama’s faith and her Ukrainian heritage were inextricably intertwined. She worked tirelessly with Tato – from teaching Sunday school to producing and directing three Act Christmas pageants involving hundreds of children and numerous concert and theatrical plays with CYMK. She was very active in the U.W.A.C., taking leadership roles in the various branches she belonged to over the years, generously sharing her knowledge and artistic talents. Church and Family were of the utmost priority to her and she instilled that to her children. When she became a Baba, her grandchildren became her greatest source of pride and joy. Christmas time was especially meaningful to Mama. The house was always decorated with stunning decorations, the pinnacle of which were her beautifully baked kolachi which graced the dining table. Mama was an excellent cook and hostess. She would spend hours reading recipe books and magazines for new recipes to delight the family with. Delicious cuisine was not the only thing Mama was known for. Her garden and yard were full of beautiful flower pots that were admired by all. No matter the setting, Mama’s graceful manner singled her out. She could always be easily identified by her striking pure white hair. Mama loved to sing, enjoy the backyard and listen and watch hockey. She loved family gatherings. The family hereby expresses its prayerful gratitude to the staff at Victoria hospital for their compassionate and dedicated care for mama during these many difficult weeks and especially for making her final days as painless and peaceful as possible. Sylvia is survived by her devoted husband, Fr. Jakiw; daughter, Orysia (Fr. Richard) Ehrmantraut; three sons, Wasyl (Sally), Johann (Dawn), Boris (Roxy); grandchildren: Jakiw, Daria (Demyan), Layandra (Joel), Oleksa (Laura); Christina, Lesia (Colten), Nadia; Luke, Josh, Kaytlin (Kevon); McKenna; 11 great grandchildren. Two sisters, Alice Bayduza and Mary Micheleski, brother Joseph Dykun ,numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. Mama had a quiet, soft spoken strength, which acted as the mortar that so lovingly kept us all together. The Private Family Funeral Service will be held at the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of Holy Trinity, 919 20th Street West, Saskatoon, SK on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. officiated by V. Rev. Fr. Taras Makowsky and Rev. Fr. Richard Ehrmantraut. The service will be livestreamed and you may join us virtually by logging on at 12:45 p.m. http://www.livememorialservices.com/Home/ServiceDetail/8233 . Interment in Woodlawn Orthodox Cemetery will follow.
May her memory be Eternal. Vichnaya Pamiat.
To share memories and condolences, visit www.parkfuneral.ca “Obituaries-Guestbook”. Arrangements entrusted to James Werezak, Park Funeral Home, 306.244.2103.

• Date : 2020-11-27
• Location : Prince Albert