JULIA LEGA (KROWIAK)

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JULIA LEGA (nee KROWIAK) Julia Lega (nee Krowiak) was born December 30, 1920 in Sanok, Ukraine to Joseph Krowiak and Kateryna Gizecski, into a family of 14 brothers and sisters. Mother's short adult life was interrupted by the war and she was encouraged to flee Stalin's repressive communist regime. At the tender age of 21 Mother joined by sister Stefka, fled to freedom but freedom was short lived and like so many of her friends and relatives she toiled for years in the forced labour camps of war time Germany. Although Mother and Dad (Adam) had known each other as young adults in Ukraine, it was actually in the midst of the German labour camps that they re-established their relationship. They married on June 11, 1945 and started a family with the birth of Natalia (Leslie Storozuk) and Maryka (Kenneth Alyluia). In November 1948, through the kind sponsorship of her brother Stanley Krowiak (Caroline) and sister Sofie Szun (Stanley), the young family immigrated to Canada. Comparable to other eastern European immigrants of the time the couple dedicated themselves to building a better life for their children in their adopted country. Undeterred by obstacles such as English language skills and formal education required to obtain good employment, mother made enormous sacrifices to make ends meet. Farming however would not be among them ... mother was all farmed out! After becoming established in their adopted Canada, Mother and Dad added to their family, Danny (Monica Kuzyk), Christina (Dan Pona) and Hannia / Kathy (George Seidel). Mother's primary concern was to raise her children in the Catholic faith and to ensure they would maintain a strong identity with their Ukrainian heritage. This she achieved through the encouragement of daily prayer, regular church attendance and participation in religious classes and organizations. Ukrainian language classes were mandatory, as was the eventual enrollment in formal education in Catholic schools. The financial burden of private education was significant but one which she was committed to provide. Mom's sweetest and most joyous moments were ultimately those that found her surrounded by her family, which had now been blessed with 12 grandchildren, Christopher, Karen, Marc (Nicole) and Tom Storozuk; Patrick Alyluia; Sophia and Veronica Lega; Larissa (Dwight Nahuliak), Alana and Julian Pona; Jenna and Joey Seidel. Baba was extremely proud of all her grandchildren and regularly referred in glowing terms of their accomplishments to her friends and relatives. She was delighted with the arrival of great-grandchildren, Colton and Austin Woloski; Justin and Jacob Storozuk; and Chase Nahuliak. Mother is grateful to her surviving sister Halyna Bialas for the kindness extended in her final years. Although mother's condition prohibited expression of appreciation she was comforted by her sister's support. Julia is survived by sisters, Stefka and Cecilia; brothers, Stefan, Vladyk and Ivan in Poland; and predeceased by sisters, Sofie, Marika, Hannia and Haniela; brothers, Stanley, Mihaylo and Mychal. Pallbearers are grandsons, Christopher, Marc, Tom, Patrick, Julian and Joey. Honorary pallbearers, Karen, Larissa, Alana, Sophia, Veronica and Jenna. Panahyda / prayers to be held at Blessed Virgin Mary Parish on Friday, July 14 at 7:00 p.m. Liturgy to be held at Blessed Virgin Mary Parish on Saturday, July 15 at 9:30 a.m. Our sincerest gratitude to all the nurses and caregivers at Holy Family Nursing Home on St. John's Unit for their dedicated and compassionate care for Mom throughout the past several years; most especially in her final month. Mama / Baba is now at peace in the arms of her beloved creator, free from the restrictions of age and pain. She is re-united with tato / dido, and together they will continue to live as our personal angels in heaven. We love you mamo. Vichnaya Pamy'at.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 14, 2006