Obituary of Marina Margaret DIDKOWSKY

February 15, 1922 – January 21, 2012 In her ninetieth year, our mother and grandmother, Marina, joined the Lord, her husband, Anatol, her parents and other predeceased loved ones in heaven. Marina, the second child of Ksenia and Pavel Turjanskij, was born in Serbia. During the turbulent times she experienced as a young woman, she moved to Germany where she studied dentistry. Marina married the love of her life, Anatol Didkowsky, on May 19, 1951. Later that year they immigrated to Canada, joining Marina’s niece Lydia in southern Alberta. For many years, Marina worked as a well respected dental assistant in Lethbridge until they moved to Calgary. In retirement, Marina and Anatol spent many years traveling to Manzanillo, Mexico where they loved the weather and made many lifelong friends. Known for her beautiful smile that lit up a room, Marina lived her life with grace, compassion, and gratitude. She gave unconditionally doing the things that she thought best for her family. The ultimate Mom, she was overwhelming in her generosity, cared for everyone, and was a gourmet cook who loved to entertain. Mom’s family was her life. Believing that roots are important, at age 88 she wrote “Remembering,” the family’s history. Marina had fluency for languages and spoke Russian, Serbian, German, French, Spanish, and Ukrainian. She loved life and was grateful for all that she had, although toward the end, the challenges of being “old,” although she was in reasonably good health, took a toll. Valuing her independence, she didn’t want a lot of assistance, and didn’t want to be a bother. Her dearest wish was to be united with Anatol. She was at peace with her life and welcomed the next stage. Mom is now where she wanted to be. While we are saddened by her passing and our own loss, we choose to celebrate the life she led and the person she was. Marina is remembered with love by her son, Victor (Wilma); her daughter, Erisa (Bill); grandchildren, Tylor, Karina, and Matthew; special nieces Lydia Holmes and her family in Fort Erie, Ontario; Tanya and Natalia Didkowsky and their children in St. Petersburg, Russia; close friend, Nina Gordeeff; and many other friends who Mom loved. We thank Dr. Place and Dr. Mew for the care given to Mom, the staff at Foothills Hospital and Staywell Manor, and Erisa for being Mom’s primary care giver, following Mom’s example of grace and compassion. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Crowfoot Chapel (82 Crowfoot Circle N.W.), on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at the Russian Orthodox Church of All Saints, (905 – 8 Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB), on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at the Russian Orthodox Church of All Saints, (905 – 8 Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. Ladies, please note, you are required to wear a head covering and skirt or dress. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the All Saints R.O.C. in Marina’s memory. In living memory of Marina Didkowsky, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.