Dryka, Cynthia “Cindy” Ann

January 4, 1955 – December 28, 2014

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mum Cindy on Sunday, December 28, 2014 at the age of 59.  We all experienced an immense sense of joy and love for being blessed with her as our wife, mother, grammy, sister, aunty, cousin, niece and dear friend. Mum was born and raised in Prince Albert and had no desire to move away.  She loved living here as it meant she could be close to her family and experience the beauty of nature which exists in the north.  Beside mum’s walk with the Lord, her family was always the most important aspect in her life.  She married Robert (Bob) Dryka on April 23, 1977 and together they had two children, Justin and Sara-Layne, whom she made no secret of loving and being proud of. 

Mum was always so thoughtful and attentive at making others feel special. This was one of her greatest gifts, and the memories she created will be cherished and forever affectionately remembered by her family and friends whenever they think of her.  She had a deep love of nature, gardening and all-things-flowers, classical and uplifting Christian music, reading spiritual devotionals and the local newspaper, cuddling up to watch old movies and sitting by the fire pit roasting marshmallows, telling stories and singing songs with her granddaughters and husband during sleepovers.  Mum was also the only person we know that liked weeding, we think it was because she got to spend more time in God’s garden.

Mum took great pride in doing a job well done, and she was dedicated to each of her jobs throughout her career.  She looked forward to going to work each day and sincerely missed being there as many of her colleagues were some of her closest friends. 

Mum discovered tiny wonders everywhere, tucked away like special treasures for the one who cared to seek them out; the vibrancy of a lily blooming in her yard, the grandeur of a sunset, the sound of her granddaughters chatter and laughter, the warm embraces which followed family get-together’s. She truly was the happiest when those she loved were happy and safe.  

Mum treasured her relationship with the Lord.  One of her favourite scriptures was Psalm 23; she faithfully believed the Lord was her shepherd.  She was ready to go home with God, to lie down in green pastures and be lead beside still waters.  God had a plan for her life, one which involved her sharing her humble love of Him and His Word with others, and her greatest wish was for those she cared for to know and to honour Him. 

Mum found much delight in reading; the following is a poignant excerpt from a book she read as a young woman called “Remember Today” which now also resonates with us: 

“Remember today.  For it may be the last we can bear to look back on for a long time to come.  Catch and hold each present hour, learn it, try to comprehend it, overlook nothing of its beauty.  Remember today, for tomorrow it may be too late ever to fashion another day like it. Remember today while there are still hands to hold and lips to kiss, while we are still young and free…” 

To mourn her loss and celebrate her life she leaves behind her beloved husband of 37 years, Bob Dryka; son Justin (Dominique) Dryka; daughter Sara-Layne Dryka; granddaughters Gracie Gayle and Charley Colinda; brothers Lyle (Louise) Tarasiuk and John Tarasiuk; sister Mary (Lonnie) Vermette; mother-in-law Rose Dryka and the Dryka family; and her many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who became like family. 

Mum was predeceased by her parents Emma and Michael Tarasiuk; niece Amy Tarasiuk; father-in-law Joseph Dryka; sister-in-law Sandra Harris and many other beloved family who must be overjoyed to have her with them again. 

As Mum thought all children were precious gifts from God, she requested that in lieu of other tributes donations be made towards purchasing medical equipment for your local nursery or pediatric units. 

The celebration of her life service will be held January 3, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at the Crossroads Pentecostal Assembly Church at 1510 Olive Diefenbaker Drive in Prince Albert and led by Pastor Ches Jacobs.  A private family interment will follow in the spring.

Mum, Cheerio until we meet again.  We love you so, so deeply and miss you terribly.  Thank you for being you. 

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306-922-4729).

• Date : 2014-12-28
• Location : Prince Albert SK