OLHA (OLGA) SUROWY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

OLHA (OLGA) SUROWY It is with deep sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother and grandmother on Friday morning, July 24, 2009 at Holy Family Home. Olha will be forever remembered and cherished by her sons, Rostyslaw (Daria) and Orest (Joyce), as well as her grandchildren, Nadia, Matthew and Kathryn. She is survived by her younger sister Evhenia (Renia), her nephew Bogdan with his family, and numerous relatives in Ukraine. Olha was predeceased in 1997 by her loving husband and best friend, Alexander. Mother was born into a vibrant Ukrainian family on September 18, 1925 in Biala Pidlaska, Poland to Petro and Ksenia Demidowicz. Her childhood was one of joy and happiness. As a student, she excelled in academics, completing business school at the top of her class, under the tutelage of Rev. Petro Romanyshyn, whom she later again met in Winnipeg. She was also influenced by her mother, a teacher, and her father, an aeronautical engineer. Life was good until the outbreak of war in 1939. Suddenly, devastating changes lay ahead. Throughout her life, Mom was interested in the theatre, acting in numerous school plays, as well as amateur Ukrainian theatre in Winnipeg. She was an avid reader. Enjoyed all genres of literature, especially books written by Irena Knysh, whose writing she found fascinating. Olha was especially fond of Taras Shevchenko's poetry, which always brought tears to her eyes. She was interested in current events, reading the paper cover to cover every day without fail. Her home inevitably had the rich sounds of Ukrainian music. And like every Ukrainian housewife, Mama made wonderful meals. But most of all, she celebrated her rich Ukrainian heritage. At the tender age of 15, Olha met her partner to be, Alexander, and they married on February 23, 1944, in the midst of war. Like many other couples, she and her husband survived these turbulent times through ingenuity and in 1945 found themselves in Czechoslovakia after Alexander's demobilization from the Czech military. They set up residence in Cheb and started their family. Unfortunately, in 1948, the young family was forced to flee to Bavaria, and in 1949, they boarded the SS Scythia in Bremerhaven for Canada, arriving on May 15 in Quebec City. There they boarded CP Rail to Winnipeg, where they made their life long home. A long time resident of Boyd Ave., she enjoyed her modest home, her neighbours and her community. Since 1956 she has been a member of Blessed Virgin Mary parish. That same year Mom obtained her Canadian citizenship of which she was very proud, as it entitled her to a Canadian passport. What an honour to have, after having lived though the horrific war years in Europe. Like many other new immigrants after the war, Olha and Alexander, made the best life possible for their family. For many years, she worked at Perth's and Famous Meats. Mom spent many enjoyable summers at the family built cottage in Victoria Beach. There she loved to putter in her garden, go blueberry picking, hunt for pidpenky and just go for walks with her husband. She excelled in cross-stitch embroidery and gifted many of her pieces to family and friends. During the 1990's Olha and Alexander made two memorable trips to Lviv, Ukraine for family reunions. After the death of her spouse, Olha's life changed dramatically. But she enjoyed visiting her good friend Hannia Paslawska to reminisce, shed tears and look at old photos. Olha was also thankful to the Romaniak family for including her in their Sviat Vechir and Easter celebrations after the loss of her husband. Due to illness, she became a resident of Holy Family Home in 2002. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of 4A for their care and compassion during Mother's stay. Also a thank you to Dr. T. Babick for his gentle counsel. Mama, always modest, had a cheerful and sensitive disposition, with an expressive face and the ever present twinkle in her eye. She was always gentle in her manner and spirit. Although we are heartbroken at our loss, we are grateful that we had the opportunity to be a part of her life. How fitting that the angels carried her to heaven on the Feast Day of St. Olha (Julian calendar.) Divine Liturgy and Parastas will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29 at Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, 965 Boyd Ave. with Fr. V. Bashutskyy and Rt. Rev. Msgr. Mitrat M. Buyachok officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Family Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to the BVM Building Fund. Now that you are reunited with Tato, rest peacefully dear Mamo. You have earned all of God's graces. We love you and will miss you dearly. So now the earthly journey has ended and another begins. VICHNAYA PAMYAT KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 28, 2009