It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nila Drozdiak on September 7, 2026, at the age of 87.
She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Barry (Lynn), Michaelle and Butch; grandchildren Jeron (Kirby), Brayden (Sarah), Alia (Danny), Danielle, Shontelle (Ryan); great grandchildren Sullivan & Lucy, Bryn, Milo & Izzy, Jackson & Auston and Walker. She is also survived by siblings Don (Shirley), Shirley & Lorna along with numerous other family members.
Nila was predeceased by her husband Mike of 69 years (2024) - the love of her life; her parents John & Nettie Dubie; sisters Frances, Evelyn & Milly and brothers in law Johnny, Dale, James & Jim; her son-in-law Keith Snively and great grandson Sebastian Snively.
Nila was born in Athabasca and was raised on the family farm near Meanook. Working hard was a way of life, before and after school chores, gardening, cleaning, baking and of course having fun with her siblings.
In 1954 she met and married Mike Drozdiak - together they raised their 3 children on their first farm south of Colinton and then later in 1969 settling on their mixed farm just north of Meanook. Nila was always working, whether with the farm animals (she especially enjoyed raising their horses), tending/ harvesting a huge vegetable garden and also for a time working for Link Home Hardware and at the Athabasca Hospital. She found time to enroll in some correspondence cooking courses which her family greatly enjoyed as she loved to bake and try out new recipes.
She found joy in the outdoors, feeding the many birds, seeing the geese return in the springtime and watching the local wildlife (deer) that passed by. When they sold the farm and moved to Athabasca, Nila had to downsize her garden- a planter box for lettuce and a flower bed out front. Her lilies were especially beautiful, for all to enjoy.
Her friendly smile left a lasting impression on all she met, always having time to stop and chat with friends and neighbours. Nila was a hardworking and dedicated woman, wife, Mom, grandmother, great grandmother throughout her life. She had an inner strength that helped carry her thru life’s challenges.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Athabasca Hospital for the exceptional care that Mom received.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Colinton Community Hall.