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SONIA KUSHLIAK
Born: Nov 25, 1924
Date of Passing: Jul 19, 2022
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SONIA KUSHLIAK
November 25, 1924 – July 19, 2022
Sonia Kushliak peacefully fell asleep in the Lord, surrounded by her family, at Rockyview General Hospital, Calgary.
Sonia was born in the village of Andrushi, Kyivska Oblast, Ukraine, to parents Andriy and Palazhka, and had two brothers and two sisters.
Family came first for our mother. She lived for her grandchildren, encouraging each one to reach for their maximum potential, while also instilling love for and knowledge of the Ukrainian language and culture, and a firm belief in the Orthodox faith.
Until Sonia moved to Calgary one and a half years ago, she had been a member of St. Mary the Protectress Orthodox Cathedral in Winnipeg for almost 70 years, a member of the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada and the Ukrainian Benevolent Brotherhood of St. Andrew.
Sonia was predeceased by her parents and siblings, her dear partner in life, her husband Michael, and most recently her best friend of over 60 years, Maria Zajcew.
Leaving to mourn Sonia are her children, Helen and Michael (Alexandra); grandchildren, Christina, Catherine, Andriy, and Sophia (Cheah) and great-granddaughter Kalyna; extended family members in Ukraine; descendants of Stella Boresky - including one remaining son Bob (Judy), of Denver, Colorado, and her special "niece" Rilla (John) of Clifford, North Dakota; close friends the Pawluk family, John and Sandra of Selkirk; her many friends at the Millennium Villa of Winnipeg where she resided until recently, friends from church, and throughout Ukraine, Canada, and the United States.
Private funeral services will be held in Calgary with The Very Reverend Father Patrick Yamniuk officiating, soon followed by interment at All Saints Cemetery, West St. Paul, Manitoba, with The Very Reverend Father Alexander Harkavyi officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary the Protectress Cathedral in Winnipeg or St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor in Calgary.
Cropo Funeral Home is in charge of all Winnipeg arrangements. This obituary may also be viewed on the Cropo Funeral Home website, cropo.com.
Vichnaya Pamyat
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 23, 2022
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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I am very sorry for your loss. Sonja was a very special lady, probably the bravest person I had ever met: we were blessed and privileged to have had her speak to my students about her experiences as a young person and Holodomor survivor. She is a role model and a hero for the millions who fell victim, and those who survived but were too emotionally scarred, or too scared to share their stories. It is because of people like her that we understand the breadth of the famine, and its lasting impact on our cultural memory. My thoughts and prayers are with your families, thank you for sharing your mother with us. It was an honour to have met her and hear her speak. - Posted by: Jeff Kozak (Friend) on: Nov 24, 2024
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We ask God to remember you all during this difficult time and to grant your dear mother and Baba eternal life in His Heavenly Home. Pani Kushliak was a beautiful lady with a gentle soul who had an amazing life and was committed to her family and community. May fond memories give you comfort, and may her memory be eternal. Вічна їй пам’ять! With God’s blessings, love & prayers, Sylvia Todaschuk, Rosemarie & Charlene & Families - Posted by: Sylvia Todaschuk, Rosemarie & Charlene & Families (Friends) on: Aug 02, 2022
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My sincere condolences to Helen,Micheal and their family’s. I had the pleasure of looking after Sonia’s hair for many years when I worked at Tony’s hair salon which was across the street from your home and business. I enjoyed our visits and listening to family happenings! Sonia certainly was a special lady again. Keep your memories close😔 - Posted by: Karen Keats (Friend) on: Jul 24, 2022