Miss Stella Olynyk

Obituary

STELLA (STEFANIA) OLYNYK October 9, 1918 - May 28, 2011 The Ukrainian community of Toronto has lost one of its pillars, Stefania Olynyk or, as she was affectionately known by many, "Aunt Stella". Stella was born in Thunder Bay and was the devoted daughter of Semen and Kateryna Olynyk. She loved and was supportive of her family including her cherished siblings Boris and Nestor and those who predeceased her: Irene Lemieux, Dr. Walter Olynyk and Lucy Hirniak. Stella doted on her nieces and nephews including Susan, Mark (Daria), Cathy, Martin (Christine), Halia, Christopher (Cindy), Richard (Shannon), Russell (Dyana), Stephanie and Steven (Jennifer), Natalie (Victor), Nadia and Eugene (Signe). Stella worked for and retired from the Workers' Compensation Board and was a pioneer in her field as a computer programmer and systems librarian. She had a strong presence in the Ukrainian Orthodox community and attended every national Sobor (convention) of the church, at first with her father and then, on her own; she taught Sunday School at St. Volodymyr Cathedral for many years and was a member of the Ukrainian Women's Association on local, provincial and national executives where her work on the Centennial Project resulted in a series of paintings commemorating Ukrainian Pioneer women by the renowned artist William Kurelek. She worked tirelessly for the Ukrainian Museum of Canada to preserve a heritage of which she was so proud. For years, she assisted at St. Vladimir Institute in many capacities including as a member of the Board of Directors. Her greatest passions were people and the arts, she nurtured and maintained many friendships and was extremely well networked, especially within the arts community. She loved music and from a very early age, was a skilled pianist and became an accomplished accompanist. Stella will always be remembered for her independent spirit and her remarkable encyclopedic memory of people, dates, places and events. Her presence was keenly felt everywhere she went and our memories of her will last a lifetime -- Vichnaya Pamyat. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Volodymyr Cathedral or St. Vladimir Institute would be appreciated. Visitation on Friday 3-5 p.m., 6:30-9 p.m., with Panachyda at 7:30 p.m. at Cardinal Funeral Home, 366 Bathurst Street. Funeral on Saturday 11 a.m. at St. Volodymyr Cathedral, 400 Bathurst Street

Visitation

Service

Burial / Entombment / Cremation