Darlene Zaleschuk
1940 ~ 2023

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Darlene Zaleschuk (née Atkinson). Darlene passed peacefully surrounded by her loving children on the morning of January 3rd, 2023.

Darlene was born in Prince Albert, SK, on March 31, 1940, to George and Alice Atkinson. She was the 3rd of 8 children. She was always close with and kept contact (and tabs) and all her siblings and their families.

Darlene met Nick Zaleschuk in 1956 and they married in 1959. The two welcomed their first daughter, Donna (Hannah) in 1964, then only son, Brian in 1965, and finally the baby of the family, Sandy (Ilchyshen) in 1966. Nick and Dar enjoyed family life. They had tons of fun visiting family, traveling, camping, meeting new friends and making memories.

Dar always had to stay busy and was a very hard worker. She worked her younger years, at the OK Economy. She later was hired on with the Government of Saskatchewan Renewable Resources and Forestry division. She very much enjoyed her time there. Anyone who worked with her knows she took her job seriously and did it well, but loved to have fun. Dar retired in 1998.

Dar was a longtime member of the Royal Canadian Legion as well as the Army and Navy Anavets. She and Nick have made many friends there and volunteered often. They enjoyed the events and clubs.

Dar, always having to stay busy, filled her days with her love of knitting. She also loved computers, the internet and especially Facebook which helped her keep in touch with family and ALWAYS was the first to post a Happy Birthday or Anniversary or any special event. Dar loved gardening and plants and was always the to go lady for advice. Though she was never a big eater, she was an amazing cook. Her cabbage rolls are legendary! But most of all Dar loved spending time with her family.

She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. Dar is survived by her husband of 63 years, Nick; children; 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; Donna Hannah – James Hannah (Angela Floesser), Darryl Hannah, Brady Hannah; Brian Zaleschuk – Sarah Zaleschuk; Sandy Ilchyshen (Gary Dumont) – Kayla (Matthew Polowski) – Lexie & Aiden Polowski, Cory Ilchyshen (Kara Vansil) – Logan, Brielle, Beauden, Bennett Ilchyshen, Lee, Brendan & Brooklyn.

She is also survived by her sisters, Shirley McCafferty, Sylvia Kinnear, Joyce McLellan; and brothers, Marvin Atkinson (Joanne), Glen Atkinson (Anastasia); sister-in-law, Sharon Zaleschuk; brothers-in-law, Peter Zaleschuk (Lillian) and Steve Hozjan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Darlene was predeceased by her parents, George & Alice (née Weldon) Atkinson; her brother, Alvin Atkinson; sister, Elaine Tienkamp; son-in-law, Bert Hannah.

A celebration of life and interment will be held in spring. Online condolences may be left at https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/riverpark/obituaries/darlene-zaleschuk/97745 . Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of River Park Funeral Home, (306) 764-2727, Colette Harnett, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2023-01-03
• Location : Prince Albert, SK