Jaroslawa Derhak was a beautiful, talented, stylish woman whose family and Ukrainian heritage were her pride and joy. She was an extraordinary cook and baker preparing sophisticated gourmet dishes she learned from her mother as well as mouth-watering Ukrainian comfort food. Her flourless dark chocolate, walnut torts with coffee and cognac buttercream were legendary and requested by friends and family for every special occasion. Her Ukrainian embroideries garnered many a first place award at international women's events. Jaroslawa also had a green thumb. Her gardens overflowed with vegetables and the yard at one time had over one hundred rose bushes.  The Derhaks were the only family on the block with fruit trees in the front and back yards and raspberry patches on the side of the house. Since childhood, Jaroslawa loved fashion and taught herself to sew. She could turn a remnant into an outfit worthy of Vogue. She was a voracious reader and loved to stay up all night reading when her beloved Ukrainian newspapers arrived.

Jaroslawa was also known as "Slava", "Slavka" and "Jerry" for the friends who found her name unpronounceable. Slava was married to her soul mate and love of her life Zenon Derhak for 60 years. They were an elegant couple who loved to do everything together including dancing. When Zenon passed away on October 31, 2018, she couldn't bear to be without him. Though living with cancer, the disease process accelerated exponentially. On March 2, 2019, Jaroslawa Derhak smiled the biggest smile before she took her last breath. She passed away at home, in the comfort of her own bed, surrounded by family photos, flowers, and soft music. Dianna, her daughter stroked her hair softly and held her hand while Adrian, her son held the other hand. Slava was ready to join her love Zenon again.

Jaroslawa Derhak was a member of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church and active in the Ukrainian community including the Ukrainian National Women's League of American, Ukrainian American Civic Association, Dnipro Ukrainian Cultural Center, Plast Priat and many other cultural and ethnic organizations in Western New York.

She was the loving daughter of the late Anna and Mykhailo Rygailo of Kozova, Ternopil Region, Ukraine and youngest of their family of six children, sadly all now deceased: Bronislav "Bronco" Rygailo, Marian Rygailo, Olia Rygailo, Stasia Rygailo (John Chartorynsky), and Aniza Rygailo (Walter Buscszak).

Jaroslawa was the devoted mother of Adrian (Martha) and Dianna Derhak.

At Mrs. Derhak's request, there will be no prior visitation.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Liturgy at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, located on Fillmore at Oneida Street, in Buffalo, New York, 14206 on Saturday morning at 12:30 pm.

Interment will follow at St. Matthew's Cemetery, in West Seneca, New York.

Donations in Mrs. Derhak's memory are preferred to:

St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church "Special Fund",

C/O 308 Fillmore Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14206, or the

Ukrainian American Freedom Foundation (UAFF) "Humanitarian and Medical Aid" Account,

C/O The Ukrainian American Freedom Foundation, 562 Genesee Street, Buffalo, New York  14204.