MARIA OLHA HALKEWYCZ

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MARIA OLHA HALKEWYCZ July 15, 1920 - August 22, 2014 It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Maria Olha Halkewycz, beloved mother and grandmother. She died peacefully at the age of 94. Maria was predeceased by her husband Roman in February 2014. She is survived by her daughter, Oksana (Lubomyr Borys) Shulakewych; son, Bohdan (Maria Larisa) Halkewycz; grandsons, Dr. Markian (Yulia) Shulakewych, Dr. Zdan (Kelly) Shulakewych, Andrei Halkewycz; family in Canada, the United States, Australia and Ukraine. Born in Ponykva, Western Ukraine, Maria was the youngest daughter of nine children of Rev. Mychaylo and Melania Turkewycz. She completed her studies in Lviv and married Roman, an engineer, during the turbulent years of the Second World War, when Ukraine was invaded by both Germany and Russia. When it became evident that the communists were annexing Ukraine, Roman and Maria fled through Europe, spending five years in Displaced Persons Camps, and finally found safe haven in upstate New York in 1950. It was here they put down their roots and raised their family while Roman worked as a civil engineer. Upon retiring they moved to Winnipeg to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Maria was a true lady - soft-spoken, intelligent, and caring, and never had a harsh word for anyone. She was deeply religious and the quiet backbone of the family, always involved and supportive of her husband, children and grandchildren. Maria never forgot her roots and worked as a volunteer in many Ukrainian organizations. She was a member of the League of Ukrainian Canadians, the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League, and the senior's club of Zoloti Vorota. Maria has now joined her husband Roman. They were married for 72 years. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 26 at the Ukrainian Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of Sts. Volodymyr and Olha, 115 McGregor St. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre, the Shevchenko Foundation or Plast Winnipeg. Thank you to Drs. Taras and Andrea Babick, the staff of Holy Family Home and the staff of Seven Oaks Hospital. VICHNAYA PAMYAT KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 25, 2014