Obituary of Doris Joan Rusnak

Doris “Dode” Rusnak (Mercier/Diachuk) October 17, 1941 – May 05, 2018 It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Doris Joan Rusnak of Pitt Meadows, BC. Left to mourn their loss and treasure their memories are her loving husband and soul mate of 20 incredible years, Ed; her cherished daughter Jodi Diachuk and Ron Gravel of Edmonton; and her beloved son Bradley and Jaci Diachuk and precious granddaughters Brooklyn and Kennedy of Langley; her dear sister June Bakala and her children Craig and Maggie Bakala, Dr. Cameron and Shauna Bakala and their children Mackenzie and Ava of Kelowna. She also is survived by her sister-in-law Josie Cholak of Stony Plain; her brother-in-law Douglas and Gina Diachuk of Kamloops; as well as numerous members of the Diachuk, McIntosh and Rusnak families, and a host of friends. Doris was predeceased by her first husband and teenage first love Eugene “Gene” Diachuk in 1995, her father Armand in 1964, her mother Edna (nee McIntosh) in 2007, her sister Gloria in 2005, and her brother Gary in 1950. Affectionately known as Dode, she grew up in Vegreville, Alberta, where she forged life-long friendships. She attended McTavish Business College in Edmonton and worked as a legal and executive secretary before she and Gene moved to Hinton, Fort St. John and Burnaby in the 1960s. They eventually settled in Maple Ridge and then Pitt Meadows to raise their children and embark on various entrepreneurial endeavours. Dode’s home and heart were always open to Jodi and Brad’s friends who have remained within her circle to this day. The untimely death of Gene, while they were vacationing in Mexico, left Doris and her children in deep mourning. To her amazement, fate intervened when she reconnected with Ed, also from Vegreville, after more than 40 years. The love and laughter they have shared for the past 21 years was a joy to behold, clearly evident to everyone fortunate to be in their presence. Golf became their dominant leisure activity and resulted in strong bonds with other enthusiasts… as did their involvement in Pitt Meadows United Church. Until health challenges restricted their travel, they took extended holidays in Mexico and the California Desert. Despite numerous setbacks, Dode’s disposition remained sunny and optimistic. She did her best to maintain a sense of normalcy—dining with her girlfriends, frequenting nearby casinos, and getting in a few, final rounds of golf this spring. She was very proud of Jodi and Brad, and delighted in time spent with Brooklyn and Kennedy. She was—and is—Ed’s Angel. Dode loved well and is well-loved by all who knew her. Her friend and pastor, Rev. Sue Rodgers of Pitt Meadows United Church will officiate at A Celebration of Life to be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 26 at Garden Hill Funeral Chapel, 11765 – 224th Street, Maple Ridge, BC. Reception and fellowship to follow. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to the and/or .