Verna Kotylak 

(February 14, 1940 – January 11, 2026) 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, wife and grandmother, Verna Kotylak, age 85 of Edmonton, Alberta. Verna passed quietly and peacefully on Sunday, January 11, 2026, after a short battle with cancer.  

Verna is survived by her husband Walter Kotylak of Edmonton, and her children, Maryanne Kotylak of Edmonton, (Kaila and Chris Turley, Victoria, B.C), Miles Kotylak (Kim, Jaxon, Mason and Haven) of Edmonton, and Michell (Ryan Webster, Isabella and Max) of Chestermere, Alberta. She is also survived by her siblings Ella Engstrom, Sonia Kachluba, Mary Sotski, Peter, John and Steven Palaschuk. 

Verna is pre-deceased by her son Mark, her parents, Fred and Nadia Palaschuk and her brothers Paul, Orest and Walter Palaschuk. 

Verna was born Verna Palaschuk on February 14, 1940, to Theodore (Fred) and Nadia (nee Sworak) Palaschuk of Wishart, Saskatchewan, the fifth of ten siblings. God could not have planned her arrival on a more appropriate day! Verna was the most joy filled, optimistic, encouraging, loving and supportive soul.  

Verna grew up attending Elementary and Jr. High at Larisa School, a country school near Wishart. She moved to Regina to complete High School living with her sister and brother-in-law before taking a position at a law office in Calgary. She took another administrative position in Melville and in 1964 she married Walter Kotylak. They built a home and raised their family on the farm near Kelliher Saskatchewan.  

In 1980, the family moved to Ituna, Saskatchewan but always maintained ties to the farm. Verna quickly made friends, was active in her church and taught religion classes at the local school. She was a fixture at all of her kids’ activities. She could often be seen cheering in the bleachers, at the rink or on the sidelines at a football game.  

Verna cherished gardening, and later in life, tending her flowers. She was known as the “pierogi lady” supplying truckloads of pierogies for team fundraisers. She also loved sports. At any time, she would know the stats and standings of football, hockey and curling teams. But above all, she loved her family. Her commitment to being available anytime, anywhere made her a Gold Medal Mom and Nana.  

In 1997, Verna and Walter sold the family farm and moved to Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan. After many years of devotion to her eldest granddaughter in Saskatchewan, Verna pulled up roots to move to Edmonton, Alberta to be near her other grandchildren.

Verna was a master at making new friends. Each transition in life came with new opportunities to meet and bless new people. With each move, Verna expanded her circle of friends, many became like family with her kids calling them auntie and uncle.  

In Edmonton, she widened that circle; she joined the local church and over-flowed her yard with brilliant blooms. She spent many days walking around the pond with friends, hosting coffee dates, playing mini sticks with kids, camping with family and caring for grandchildren from toddler years to teens.  

Over the years, Verna travelled to Europe and the United States, but home was always the best. The door was always open, and the coffee was always on.  

Verna will be missed for her immediate and genuine smile, her tireless hospitality, her patience, gentle nature and capacity to laugh at herself. She has been the most steadfast sister and friend, the most loyal partner and companion, and the most loving mother and grandmother.  

Our sorrow at her passing cannot be measured. She is with us still in so many ways.  Her boundless love and memory will forever impact generations. Our hearts are broken, but she is with Jesus at last.  

Please join us in celebrating the life of Verna Kotylak. A service is being held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the chapel at Beulah Alliance Church, 17504 – 98A Ave NW at 11:00am. A reception will be held immediately following the service in the Atrium.