Claudia Zurba

Claudia Cecilia Zurba (Prestayko) of Fork River, Manitoba passed away tragically on Thursday, June 15th, 2023, at the age of 87 years.

Claudia was the third child/daughter born to Mike and Mary Prestayko on April 30, 1936, in Valley River, MB. She attended a local school, and her last formal year of schooling was at St. Mary’s Academy in Yorkton, SK. Mom being a young independent woman brought her to Dauphin, MB working as a secretary, she also lived and worked in Winnipeg for a time before her marriage to our Dad-Larry Zurba. On June 1, 1957, they married at the Cathedral of St. Vladimir & Olga Ukrainian Catholic Church, Winnipeg, MB.

After their wedding, our adventurous young parents settled in Timmins, ON where she did her part to contribute to the family income by working in the restaurant industry. She often spoke fondly of this time. Here is where they started their family becoming proud parents of Valerie and Sharon. From there they moved to Fork River, MB area in 1962. They had 3 more children, Alden, Glenn and Adrienne. Claudia was the wholehearted dedicated mother of 5 busy children, while also working alongside her husband to the mixed farm of growing crops, raising cattle for beef and dairy.

Claudia was devoted to her faith, church and communities of Fork River, Sifton, and Dauphin. She proudly sang in the Ukrainian Catholic Church Choir. She always looked forward to an invitation to attend the grandchildren and great grandchildren milestones celebrations, she took great joy in celebrating with family and friends. She never turned down the opportunity to go out dancing and visiting.

Claudia loved to show her love by cooking and baking, we will miss all her Ukrainian dishes, famous tarts, and pies. Our Mom had a passion for her garden and flowers, she spent countless hours with Dad in the garden, weeding, watering, admiring, and bonding. The fresh cut garden bouquets filled the house all summer long. Everyone that came to visit always left with a care package of vegetables, canned goods, and baking.

Any invite to go on vacation with one of her children was always taken advantage of. Trips to Puerto Vallarta, MX, Hawaii, US, Cuba, many parts of United States and Canada. She especially loved if it involved shopping, she had a flare for style, bling and colour, always searching for the perfect orange purse. She will be remembered for her unique fashion, hair, nails, jewelry, and the best accessory her smile.

Her radiant smile and the echoes of her laughter will forever be cherished and missed so deeply. Love you Mom/Nana.

Claudia is survived by her children, Valerie (Oliver) Owen, Sharon (Al) Wiebe, Alden (Andrea) Zurba, Glenn Zurba (Barb Miller) and Adrienne Zurba. Eleven grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Sister Evelyn Matishak and Sister-In-Law Doreen Prestayko. Many nieces and nephews.  Claudia was extremely proud of both immediate and extended family.

Predeceased by her loving husband Larry Zurba, her parents Mary and Mike Prestayko and siblings Victoria Hyshka & Edward Prestayko, Brother-In-Laws Peter Hyshka and Zan Matishak, Granddaughter Ashley Owen. She was also predeceased by many close friends and relatives.

A funeral liturgy was held for Claudia on Tuesday, June 27th, 2023, from the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Resurrection in Dauphin, Manitoba at 2:00 P.M.  the Very Revered Father Oleg Bodnarski Officiated. Rosary was read at 1:30 P.M.

Interment was held in the Dauphin Riverside Cemetery.

Should friends so desire, donations in Claudia’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Thank you to the first responders, Stars, RCMP, doctors, nurses, medical examiners, and community support workers.
Your life was a blessing, your memory was a treasure. You were loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure. Love you forever.

Our hearts were shattered into pieces that day June 15th, 2023.

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