On Saturday, December 31, 2016 Doris Zaharia of Yorkton completed her journey on the Highway to Heaven, walking hand in hand with Jesus to her eternal home. At the age of 95 years, she passed away peacefully at the Yorkton District Nursing Home with family by her side. Doris Ann (nee Verbiwski) was born in Canora, SK on March 5, 1921. Doris was the youngest in a family of eight children, born to Mary (nee Kaldalar) and Wasyl Verbiwski. She attended school at Burgis, SK. On May 11, 1941, Doris married the love of her life, George Gordon Zaharia, at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canora. Their marriage of 58 years was blessed with three wonderful children, Ron George, Alice Ann and Blaine William. During her life, Doris lived in many places; Englefeld, Shellmouth, Mikado, Dropmore, Kuroki, Donwell, Stenen and Gorlitz. Many happy years were spent residing in Gorlitz. Doris took great happiness in hairdressing, since she was able to meet new friends. She worked at Kmart, in the stock room. All who worked with her would call her "Mom". One of Doris' greatest passions was her faith. She loved her family endlessly. Doris enjoyed baking braided bread, making borscht, cornmeal and perogies with her best friend, Vicki. Doris loved many pastimes, gardening, playing cards, sewing quilts, curling and her love of reading was lifelong. She relished visits to the cabin at Burgis Beach, Good Spirit Lake. Most of all, she cherished spending time with family and friends. On retirement, George and Doris were very proud to purchase a home on Matheson Crescent in Yorkton. They both took pleasure in their garden and beautiful Chinese peonies. Doris lived in the family home for some time before moving to Yorkton District Nursing Home on July 31, 2009. It was here where she was reunited with her friend Vicki, who was also a resident. While in her new home, she continued to make borscht and braided bread. Doris took great delight in venturing out to visit, going to the casino and playing bingo. She brought a smile to many faces with her humour and joke telling. Doris was predeceased by her husband George, son Ronald and her siblings Forsena, Mary, Nick, Steve, Anne, Neil and Mike. Doris will be lovingly remembered and her life celebrated by her daughter, Alice (Gerald) Lubyk and their children Karrie (Randy) Houle and children Haley and Ashley, Kayla Lubyk and Krista (Aaron) Toner and children Rowen, Jasmine and Cruz; her son Blaine (Heather) Zaharia and their children Ward Zaharia and Robyn (Michael) Okonsky and son Sam; daughter-in-law Joyce Zaharia and her children Brian (Kelly) Zaharia and children Dan, Alyssa and David, Leighanne (John) Wheelock and children Amanda and Nicholas, Don Zaharia and children Victoria, Rebecca and Ryan, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Prayers were held on Wednesday evening, January 4 and the funeral service was celebrated on Thursday morning, January 5, 2017, all from Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton. Very Rev. Fr. Mel Slashinsky was the Celebrant. Cantor, Yvonne Panchuk, assisted by members of the Parish Choir, led in the singing of the responses. The cross bearer was Krista Toner, the banner bearers were Kayla Lubyk and Karrie Houle. The interment took place in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Brian and Ward Zaharia, Terry Tycholiz, Barry Verbiwski, Russell Henderson, Kelly Procyshyn and Wayne Unyi serving as the casket bearers. Condolences can be left at Memorials were to the Activity Department of the Yorkton & District Nursing Home.
