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Carol Louise Yurkowski (DeLeeuw)

March 19, 2023

B9J8P9S1-20230321104256
August 12, 1936 - March 19, 2023
In loving memory ~
Carol Louise Yurkowski (DeLeeuw), Mother, Sister, Daughter, Baba, Great Baba and so much more passed away peacefully Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Merritt, BC at the age of 86. Carol was one of twelve children born to Ernest and Phyllis DeLeeuw on August 12, 1936, in Bashaw, Alberta. Carol met Ernie Yurkowski in Edmonton and the two were married in Tofield, Alberta in 1955. They started their family in Edmonton with the birth of Mischelle then moved to BC where Melanie, Murray, Marla, and Melissa were born. In the time of all the children they moved a lot, and sometimes to places that were very isolating, but Mom always did so with a smile on her face because she had everything she needed, her family. The family finally settled in Merritt where Carol and family were foster parents for many years, she was a member of the Catholic Women's League and had a long career as a teacher assistant in the school district. After Ernie passed in 1989 Mom decided to relocate to Summerland, BC and lived in a quaint little house on the corner in Trout Creek, with a pink door and a beautiful garden that was admired by many. Mom loved to be out in her garden and was in awe of all things in nature, she recognized the beauty all around us. She continued her career in Summerland as a teacher assistant and a respite parent for foster families. In 1999 she bought a holiday home in Haida Gwaii. She would spend hours upon hours walking the beaches, collecting shells and rocks, or simply listening to the water wash across the rocks. The ocean gave her peace, delight and reminded her how grateful she was to be alive and surrounded by such beauty.
Mom/Baba loved all children and was happiest when she could be with kids, going on adventures, baking, singing songs, or playing peek a boo. Her greatest delight was when she become a Baba, she used to say, "If I had known that being a Baba was this great, I would have done that first."
Mom moved back to Merritt after her Alzheimer's diagnose, which allowed her to be close to two of her daughters and son. She lived out the rest of her life at Coquihalla/Gillis House and we are all so grateful for all the care and love she received while she lived there.
Mom is predeceased by her husband Ernie Yurkowski, parents Ernest and Phyllis DeLeeuw, sisters Elizabeth and Margaret, and brothers Blaine and Keith.
She is survived by her brothers, Robert (Olive), Fred (Trish), Brent (Debbie), and sisters Joyce, Joanne (Barry), Wendy (Les), Josephine (Mike). Mom enjoyed spending time with all her family, including the Yurkowski clan and all her many nieces and nephews.
We loved her to the moon and back. She was the strongest, kindness, helpful and hardest working woman we knew. Mom would often come to each of our houses to help, "Many hands make light work," was her favorite line. Her love for her family was evident in everything she did, and she taught us all the importance of togetherness and celebrating the small joys and triumphs.
She is loved and missed by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: Mischelle (Bill) Pierce- Ben (Liselle)- Gabrielle and Boston. Jesse (Jenny)- Covin and Charlee, Luke (Amy)- Will, Bennett, Austin. Melanie (Kevin) Murray- Tanner (Sarah)- Nash, Garrett (Tammy)- Arlie and Nova. Murray (Lori) Yurkowski- Josh (Amber)- Hadley, Mia and Easton, Cole (Jenna)- Hayes, Ernie (Tiara). Marla (Chris) Cain- Kourntey, Matthew (Bre). Melissa (Les) Hobenshield- Chase and Ally.
"Mothers never really die; they just keep the house up in the sky, they polish the sun by day and light the stars that shine at night, keep the moonbeams silvery bright and in the heavenly home above they wait to welcome those they love." Author unknown
Funeral service will be held Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 1:00pm at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church 2302 Jackson Ave, Merritt, BC.

Service Details

Celebration of Life
Saturday, April 1, 2023
1:00 PM
Sacred Heart Catholic Church 2302 Jackson Ave, Merritt, BC.


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