SKIBINSKI, Zenovia Irene (nee DUBICK) -
January 2, 1928 - November 23, 2023
Zenovia "Zen" Irene Dubick Skibinski passed away peacefully, at her home in The Teddington Retirement Residence, Toronto, on November 23, 2023.
She was predeceased by her husband, Rev. Michael Skibinski (2012); her father, Dimitro; her mother, Anne; and her sister, Amelia. She is survived by her brother, Myron; nephew, Keith (Helen) and niece, Tanya.
From a young age, Zen enjoyed participating in church activities and family gatherings during Ukrainian Christmas, New Year's Eve, and Easter. She met her husband, Michael, at United College in Winnipeg and together they began their long careers in the service of the United Church of Canada.
Graduating from Emmanuel College with her Master of Divinity degree in 1981, Zen was ordained by Toronto Conference in May that same year.
She has served pastoral charges in Toronto including Parkdale United Church.
Sharing a strong passion for social justice with Mike, Zen wrote about Canada's internment of Ukrainians in her contribution to the UCC Advent resource Birthing the Promise (1997), and about her complex Ukrainian identity in the Canadian Council of Churches volume Cracking Open White Identity towards Transformation (2012).
A faithful member of Fairlawn Avenue United Church in Toronto, Zen was active in its women's spirituality group, where her wisdom about life and her sense of humour were much appreciated.
A celebration of Zen's life and ministry will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Fairlawn Avenue United Church, 28 Fairlawn Avenue, at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Zen may be made to Fairlawn Avenue United Church, and to the Mission and Service Fund of The United Church of Canada.
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