Obituary of Verna Kolybaba

In Loving Memory Of Verna Kolybaba

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved sister Verna Kay Kolybaba. Verna was born September 16, 1951 to Nettie and Carl Zemlak and was one of 12 children. Verna was united in marriage to Lawrence on July 14, 1973. Verna met Lawrence when they both stood up in her twin sister Myrna’s wedding. She attended primary grades of school at a country school at Ladstock. The family was driven to school by horse and buggy in the summer; and a closed cutter pulled in the winter months. After Verna’s fifth grade, the family was bussed to Wishart School. They walked over a mile to and from where the bus picked them up and dropped them off after a school day.  In later years,  the bus did come to their home on the farm. Verna graduated from school in 1971 then moved to Yorkton, SK where she was employed with the Credit Union. She then met the love of her life Lawrence. They married and moved to a farm near Foam Lake, SK where they farmed for many years.  Verna participated in every aspect of farm life contributing her skills and talent to support grain production, to growing a bountiful garden and she was a terrific homemaker.

Verna was a beautiful person, sincere and very generous. She embraced every opportunity to celebrate her  Ukrainian roots especially during Christmas and Easter. Verna had a special passion and enthusiasm for the Toronto Blue Jays and Saskatchewan Roughriders. Besides her life on the farm, she sought a full time career working at the Foam Lake Nursing Home starting in the dietary department then found her calling as a care aide. The Baba’s and Gedo’s loved her as she catered to them, joked with them and spoke to them in Ukrainian.

After 20 plus years of employment, Verna was set back with her first bout of battling cancer. Recovering after numerous treatments, she resumed her job at a care home. After her husband’s passing, she sold her house and land then moved to Yorkton. After residing and enjoying her beautiful home in Yorktown for 10 years, she became ill and was diagnosed with cancer again. Verna was hospitalized at Yorkton and was then transferred  to Shellbrook hospital to be closer to her most dedicated and passionate caregivers, sister Evelyn and husband Larry. From Shellbrook hospital, she was facing a transfer to a surrounding area in the health system, not knowing where, Verna chose to move to the farm with Evelyn and Larry, as her care givers. It was there that she succumbed her suffering and went peacefully with her loving family by her side.

Verna is survived by her: sisters - Sandra Spak, Lucy Zemlak, Lilyan Malainey, Myrna Zemlak, Agnes (Mike) Stephenson, Evelyn (Larry) Keyowski and Pam Zemlak; brothers - Mervin (Roseanne) Zemlak and Lenard (Wanda) Zemlak; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends whose lives were touched by her.

Verna was predeceased by her: parents Carl & Nettie Zemlak; husband Lawrence Kolybaba; sister Elsie (James) Bilan; brothers-in-law Bill Spak and David Malainey; brothers - Sly (Val) Zemlak and Clarence Zemlak; and nephew Kim Zemlak.

May Verna’s memory be a blessing and may she rest in Peace.

Вічная пам'ять- Memory Eternal

Prayers

7:00 p.m.

Thursday, June 4, 2026

Chapel Of Narfason’s

Narfason’s Funeral Chapel

Foam Lake, SK

Those wishing to attend the Prayers virtually may do so by viewing the livestream through the link posted on Verna's Obituary on www.narfasons.com

Please Click Here To View Livestream

If there is insufficient service at the Prayers, the livestream video will be uploaded at a later time once we gain sufficient service.

Above is the link to view the live stream. You have to register before gaining access to the waiting room. Registering can be done at any time but we recommend doing it in advance in case of any problems. If you do not have an email or mobile phone number when registering you will need to call 1-877-895-2739. The support staff at Forget Me Not Ceremonies will provide you with a code to gain access to it.
 

Graveside Service

10:00 a.m.

Friday, June 5, 2026

Foam Lake Cemetery

Foam Lake, SK
 

Those wishing to send cards

of caring & sympathy may send them to

The Family of Verna Kolybaba

P.O. Box 1183

Shellbrook, SK S0J 2E0
 

Donations in memory of Verna

may be made to

a local charity of one’s choice.


Please bring a lawn chair if you require one.