It is with profound sadness but with hearts full of gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the peaceful passing of our Mom/Babci, Irene Serwatuk (nee Dowbeta) on Friday July 31st, 2026 in her 95th year at Madison Village LTC.
Mom is now reunited with the love of her life, her husband and our Dad, Michael Serwatuk who passed away in 1985 (also predeceased by Nick Curto).
Mom was born in Hamilton to Wasyl (Bill) and Helen Dowbeta. After graduating high school Mom worked in a doctor's office and it was the doctor who set her up on a blind date with our dad. They were married in 1954. Years later, she worked in Ladies Sportswear at Sears. In the early 70’s, Mom owned the snack bar at the Delta Bingo Hall until her retirement in 1997.
Mom always loved to travel to a warm place in the winter to walk the beach and in the summer to a casino where there were penny and nickel slots! Mom and Dad also loved to get together with friends to play friendly games of poker. Mom loved music, she loved to dance and she loved to cook the best meals ever! Mom was a lifelong member of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Church and also a member of Lesia Ukrainka.
Mom was the best! She was always there for her family. We are so thankful for the many years of unconditional love, guidance, wisdom and cherished memories that were created and shared by us. Words cannot describe how deeply mom will be missed and forever remembered by her children Catherine (Rick), Michael (Penny) and David (Jelena). Mom will also be greatly missed by her grandchildren Derek (Laura), Michael (Samantha), Nicole (Matt), Scott (Chelsea), Victoria, Venezia and great-grandchild Austin. Mom is also survived by her sister Diana and nieces Susan and Brenda.
The family would like to thank all of the nurses and PSW’s at Madison Village LTC for their care and compassion. They were the best!
Visitation will be held at Markey-Dermody Funeral Home, 1774 King Street East, Hamilton on Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 2-4 & 6-8:30 p.m. Panachyda will be at 7:30 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be at Woodland Cemetery, Burlington, where she will be laid to rest with her parents and our dad.
In lieu of flowers, Mom had requested donations to the Salvation Army or the charity of your choice.
We will carry Mom’s laughter, knowledge, strength and her love with us always.
