Laura Alexandra Veregin

LAURA ALEXANDRA VEREGIN

On August 31, 2023, Laura Alexandra Veregin (Strilaeff) of Yorkton, Saskatchewan, and formerly of Benito, Manitoba, passed away at the age of 95.

She is predeceased by her husband of 77 years of marriage to Peter P. Veregin; as well as her brother Alex Strilaeff (Benito). She is survived by her two sisters, Doris Staples (Benito) and Mary Nichvolodov (Kelowna, BC); numerous nieces and nephews; two daughters, Deanna Taillefer (Mervyn) of High River, Alberta, and Eileen Konkin (Fred) of Pelly, Saskatchewan, as well as two granddaughters, Cynthia Konkin (Edmonton, Alberta) and Angela Konkin (Winnipeg, Manitoba); and one great granddaughter, Sabine Konkin Bouchard.

Laura was born in Kathrine Slouskia, Ukraine in 1928. Her Doukhobor family immigrated to Canada shortly after she was born. They settled on farmland south of Veregin, Saskatchewan. Eventually they relocated to the Thunderbird District in the Livingstone Municipality. She met her future husband Peter at the same school. They married in 1945 and farmed in the same region.

In 1964, they moved with their two daughters to Benito. Laura was employed as a nursing assistant with the Benito Hospital where she worked until retirement. 

Laura was known as an avid horticulturalist and became a member of the Benito Horticulture Society for many years. She often grew award winning flowers and vegetables; her garden in the backyard was frequently visited and admired by many people.

She was also a highly skilled crafter who crocheted, knitted, sewed, and quilted at a highly artistic and creative level.

Both Laura and Peter assisted at and attended numerous Benito community events.

Together they were avid travellers. They journeyed extensively across Canada, the US, Cuba, Mexico, Europe, and Russia. On one occasion, they explored the southern Russian region of Georgia where Peter’s ancestors originated from. Laura also met cousins living in Moscow. Upon returning home, she diligently put together informative slide presentations that were enjoyed by family and friends.

Laura strongly adhered to her Doukhobor faith and belief system. Peter and she were lifelong and valued members of the Benito Doukhobor Society, the National Doukhobor Heritage Village in Veregin and DCSS of Saskatchewan.

Laura was a determined, energetic, hard-working, and strong-willed woman. There was nothing she would not take on and support when it came to community and family.

She was laid to rest on September 6, 2023, at a private ceremony held at Benito Cemetery.

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