Anne Yaroff

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Anne Yaroff, (Demchyshyn), who drifted away peacefully in her 89th year surrounded by her loving family at Thortonview (LTC) Home in Oshawa on Thursday May 5, 2022. Always so full of life and love, Anne was a genuine soul who touched the hearts of everyone she met. Loving wife of 68 years to Bernard(Brontë) Yaroff. Cherished mother of Mark(Diana), Greg(Sandra), Tammy(Steve) and loving Nanny to 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Predeceased by her brother Johnny(the late Millie) Demchyshyn and missed dearly by her sister Olga(the late George) Kirlik and brother Roman(Barb) Demchyshyn. Auntie Anne also held a special place in the hearts of her many nieces and nephews. Anne was never happier than when she was working in her gardens and talking to the birds. Always in the kitchen, there was never a shortage of home cooked meals, endless baking and many family get togethers. Born November 7, 1933, and raised in Toronto, Anne belonged to a Ukrainian dance group where she met her future husband Brontë. Married October 16, 1954 during Hurricane Hazel, together they danced and kept their Ukrainian heritage alive through their association with the Shevchenko Musical Ensemble where they both played for years with the Toronto Mandolin Orchestra. Anne devoted her life to her family, always putting them first before her own needs and worked for the Town of Whitby as a crossing guard for over 20 years until she finally retired to enjoy many travel adventures with Brontë around the world. When Anne was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018, they sold their Whitby home of 60 years to settle into Harmony Hills Retirement home and relax. As Anne’s Alzheimer’s progressed and required more care, our family made the difficult decision to place her in long term care at Thortonview in Oshawa a few days after a family celebration of their 67th wedding anniversary in October. While at Thortonview, Anne received wonderful care and genuine love from the staff there who did everything to make Mom’s last days comfortable and with her dignity in tact. We would like to thank the staff of the Pinegrove wing especially nurses Vanessa and Eric and the most wonderful PSW couple, Aimee and Fred. You made us feel like family and for that we are forever grateful. Mom was in the best hands when she couldn’t be with us. A celebration of life will be held in Anne’s honour at a later date. Donations in Anne’s memory can be made to the Canadian Alzheimer’s Society and/or the Shevchenko Musical Ensemble. Until we meet again, may you sing and dance with freedom xo