Doris Skraba

In the early morning, Doris (nee Danyluk) passed peacefully at the Gilbert Plains Health Centre on November 25, 2025, at the age of 101 years. Doris was born June 10, 1924 at Drifting River, MB, the third youngest of twelve children. 

In 1943 Doris Danyluk married John Skraba at the St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church in Drifting River.  Together they raised five children on their family farm in Venlaw. John passed in 1993. 

Doris was a feisty one hundred and one year old.  She loved laughter, saying it is the best medicine next to a daily ounce of vodka.

To family and friends who visit… a note:  Our Residents do not live in our Workplace we work in their Home……

Home for the past almost nine years has been the Health Centre where her caregivers became unique friends; each owning a single connection. Over the years a true connection developed with boundless interest in her life. Many were interested in where she was born, her siblings, being raised on a mixed farm, her education and living across the gravel road from a church with a huge bell tower, it’s purpose as a cemetery with a large yard to play in. Close to a river where many hours were spent playing either in or by the water. All were interested in her family life; she as well learned about theirs. Many pictures displayed her friends in Mazatlán, whom she was still in contact with. Curious about her travels to Mazatlán, questions were asked and Doris would explain a story connected to each picture. Doris taught numerous caregivers words in Ukrainian during care which became short sentences spoken during care; it was amazing to listen to their conversations. 

All those who have known and shared in Doris’ life are asked to consider themselves as honorary urn bearers.

Bruce your visits were very much enjoyed and appreciated. Every bird, squirrel and deer knew they could depend on Terry for a meal at Doris‘ bird feeder. She looked forward to your daily window visits, which she relished. Thank you both for your kindness. 

Left to cherish fond memories are her children John (Elaine), Jeana (Richard); Merv (Sandra); Tom (Charlene) and Albert; grandchildren Deanna (Sarina); Ryan (Jean Françaois); Greg (Lisa); Tanis (Andrew); Chantal, Peter, Victoria, Matthew and Katrina; great grandchildren Ben, Paige, Nate and sister-in-law Eva Danyluk.

Doris was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Tikla (nee Manchur-Danyluk); father of her children John; eleven siblings John Danyluk, Steve (Tillie) Danyluk, Anthony (Olga) Danyluk,  Nicholas (Margaret) Danyluk, Lena (Harry) Yakimishen,  Mary (William) Hadway, Annie (Alex) Kumka, Bessie (Cliff) McPhail, Olga (Walter) Kzanoski,  Elsie (John) Huculak, Nellie (Walter) Dzaman and daughter-in-law Jackie Skraba. 

Our family would like to express our gratitude for your presence and support during this difficult time. A special appreciation to all staff at the care home for your kindness; evident in thought and deed. 

A Funeral Service was held for Doris on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 2:00 pm from the Gilbert Plains United Church with Rev. Luckson Mariba officiating.  

Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Doris may be made to Gilbert Plains Personal Care Home Activities Department.

The service will be live streamed for those that are unable to attend.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Doris Skraba, please visit our floral store.