Dolores Louise Krochak

Dolores Louise Krochak

1947 - 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce, on the morning of October 8th Mom passed away peacefully with her family close by her side. Mom was born on January 28, 1947, to Philip and Tena Kiwaluk in Benito. She grew up in Benito where she met and then married Mervin in August of 1963. They were married for 62 years and grew closer as each year passed.

Mom was known as a quiet, kind woman and a hard worker. She was Mom to six children and managed to keep us fed and clothed. A memory is how she would study the catalogues and order clothing with the family allowance money, seeing to it that we were all provided for. It wasn’t unusual for the kitchen counter to be covered in dozens of loaves of fresh baked bread. On bread making day we were often treated to “beaver tails”. They were a favourite. She would see to it that the potato bin/room was filled and that the wall of shelves in the basement was filled with jars of canning. Every type of fruit you could think of, plus beets, pickles and chicken. Somehow, she managed to make us homemade fries and donuts occasionally. Whatever came out of her kitchen was amazing and delicious. Those who were fortunate enough to eat at her table will tell you her borscht was the best.

Not only did she take care of her six children, but every summer for many years and sometimes during school breaks, the farm would turn into cousin camp. The farm was the place to be for the cousins to enjoy each other’s company. Many of the nieces and nephews have reached out to express their fond memories of their time at farm and of how good Mom was to them.

Then came the loss of Roger which broke our hearts and especially hers. Shortly after, she became a grandma and found a new meaning in life. Through the years she became grandma to eleven. She helped us all tremendously with our kids, her grandchildren and was always willing to do so, no matter what she had on the go. Like the cousins, the grandchildren wanted to be at the farm.  Kids everywhere, a big garden, gourmet meals to the field, etc, how she kept up with meals and laundry is a mystery. It wasn’t until we had grandchildren of our own, we asked ourselves how did she do it?! We still ask ourselves this.

Things about Mom. Her house was meticulous and immaculate, just as was her garden and yard. If you felt bad about something you messed up, Mom had a special way of making you feel okay about it. She loved animals. In 2015, the first of seven great-grandchildren arrived, and she became known as GG. Mom loved kids and kids loved Mom. Mom was a believer and for many years she drove her grandchildren and other relatives to Sunday school and church events.

Mom didn’t have the best health through her years, but she had a strong will to live and we are so thankful for all the years we had with her. Thanks to Dad looking out for her and taking such good care of her, we know those years were extended. But how we wish we could have had just a few more. Especially, of those years before dementia which began to progress a few years ago.

Looking past the dementia and when Mom was in her place of comfort just down the hall from personal care and in the next building at Dad’s, was a lady who became at ease with this life. Her eyes would light up when one of us showed up with chips and/or pop. She passed this love of chips and pop down to every single one of us! Mom was so content to spend days at Dad’s place where he made sure that he was stocked up on all her favourite foods. After Dad saw to it that she had enough to eat, together they would hold hands and watch TV.

Mom is predeceased by an infant brother, parents, parents-in-law, son Roger, brother-in-law Lorne, and his wife Janice; sister Marlene; son-in-law Patrick. She leaves to mourn her husband Mervin, children: Ricky (Carla), Donna (Gary), Cheryl, Glen (Melissa), Dean (LeeAnn); grandchildren: Brittni (Cody), Chad (Brenna), Jake (Kirsten), Derrick (Janel), Colby (Alaynah), Eric (Lauren), Rylynn, Tyler, Keara (Virgil), Matthew (Callie), and Breanna; greatgrandchildren: Peyton, Jaycob, Lincoln, Lacey, Jackson, Luke and Cooper; brother Donald, brother-in-law Al, sister-in-law Theresa (David) and sister-in-law Selma (Larry) and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

We are so sad to say goodbye, but take comfort in knowing that Mom is now free from all illness in heaven.  We miss you dearly Mom, more than words can express.