Dianna Chursinoff (nee Markin) also referred to as Tina, was born August 20, 1924 and passed away on July 4, 2013 in the palliative room at the Salmon Arm Hospital. On Sunday June 23, 2 weeks ago with Dianna in Hospital, she and her immediate family were made aware of the serious nature of her physical pain and further decline in her health. As we prepared to say good bye, Dianna shared relevant stories with us about her recent years joy and delight at the arrival of each great grandchild. She also reflected on the love she felt for her own parents and childhood.
Significant for her were the memories of her
father telling stories each evening that she and her siblings looked forward to, and most
important in these were the stories her father shared about Jesus, she told us she was in “awe of this wonderful man”.
Dianna remembers her early years as a time when everyone helped to look after their homestead farm. All were involved in cooking, working on the farm and with the animals. It is here where they started as a family to sing and harmonize while working. Her early childhood to age 11 were in the communities of Arran and Pelly, where she resided with her parents ( Fred and Florence ) and siblings. She enjoyed visiting at the homes of her older sisters and brother; ( Molly, Mary, Polly, John) and living with her parents and siblings still at home with her (Fred, Helen, and Mert).
From Saskatchewan, Dianna moved to Grand Forks in 1935. She married Peter Chursinoff on Feb 14, 1943. While she lived the majority of her time in Grand Forks, there was also a 16 year stretch in Oliver (1948 to 1963). She and Peter had good memories of working in the orchards, building a home in Oliver, raising 3 children (Connie, Steve, and Nina), and spending time with family and friends.
With a natural ear for singing, Dianna also taught herself to play accordion and harmonica. Singing and music were integral parts of family and friend gathering. She has always enjoyed the company of relatives, many who are her dearest friends as well. She enjoyed family life with her husband Peter. She also took pleasure in gardening, cooking fabulous food, sewing, reading, and watching her favourite programs on television. When she was physically able to, she participated in the USCC ladies cooking group, Christian Community Centre, weekly bible study and praise singing at the home of Mabel Papove, and in work with the Secondary School cleaning staff.
Dianna experienced a tragic loss of a child when her son Steve died at age 21 and later an early loss of her husband Peter leaving her widowed at the age of 60. Chronic sorrow over significant losses and chronic pain due to complex health issues became constant companions. Yet at the same time, this would not be obvious to many as Dianna learned to adapt and stayed open to other joys in life. The Jesus of her childhood became her Comfort, Friend, and Saviour.
She was fascinated by how interesting her granddaughters and their husbands and her great grandchildren (Kelsey, Felicity, Jordan and Ryan) are. Despite being sad to move from Grand Forks 2 1/2 years ago to Salmon Arm, she is happy she was able to spend more time with them. Dianna’s life was enriched by the new precious memories they built together during this time.
Predeceased by her parents Fred and Florence Markin, son Steve Chursinoff, husband Peter Chursinoff, sisters and brothers - Molly Reiben, Polly Makaseiff, Mary Shelby, John Markin, Fred Markin, Helen Zmioff, and Bill (Mert) Markin.
Survived by daughter Connie ( Joe) Kalmakov, daughter Nina ( Jim) Magee, granddaughters Shelly ( Richard) Hanson & children, Lynn ( Tim) Perepolkin & children.
Special thanks to: Carol Dergousoff for her amazing support to Dianna and immediate family during the week of palliative care in Salmon Arm Hospital, to the nursing team at Salmon Arm Hospital, to Terry and Wade Nearing for their special visit to Salmon Arm, to other family members and friends who were able to pass over greetings and others who we knew were holding Dianna and family in prayer, special thanks to Mike Kanigan for officiating the funeral service. to Everett Baker and family at Grand Forks Funeral Home for your responsiveness and understanding of our needs, to the men involved in preparing the ground for the burial on Saturday July 6, 2013 at the USCC Sion Cemetery, and to the wonderful people, immediate and extended family members, friends and neighbours, who travelled to join us remembering Dianna on July 6, 2013.