Obituary

Agata “Ahafia” Romanyshyn (Zoladek), a tiny woman who radiated love, left this world peacefully on the morning of December 11, 2023, at the age of 89. Her legacy of grace, wisdom and kindness, is sure to reverberate throughout the many lives she touched. A devoted wife to Steve (deceased in 2009), and mother to George, Taras, Martha (Wolfgang) and Steve Jr (Roma), she was the heart of her family. She absolutely adored her four grandchildren, Nadya, Alexandra, Maxsym, and Luka, who knew her as “Baba Ashia.” A gifted baker and creative cook, she could often be found in the kitchen of her Hamilton home, making everything from Ukrainian delicacies like borscht, varenyky and holubtsi to her famous chocolate birthday cake and avocado and shrimp toasts.
 
Like many Ukrainians who moved to Canada after the second world war, Agata’s life journey was a testament to her perseverance and her quiet unwavering strength. She was born in 1934 and raised on a farm with her two brothers and four sisters in Lubycza, Ukraine (now a part of Poland). Her love of working with children emerged early and she embarked on a career as a teacher in Poland. Her passion for children evolved as she made her way to Canada in 1964 and began a family in Hamilton with her husband Steve. She returned to teaching once her children were older, working at Holy Spirit Catholic School as a Ukrainian language teacher for more than 20 years, where she was a favourite with her students.
 
A woman of immense faith, she was a devoted parishioner at Holy Spirit church. A staunch nationalist, her love for Ukraine and her belief in a better future for her homeland never wavered. In her later years, she moved to Toronto to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories, lessons, and love, immortalizing her profound impact on those blessed to have known her.
 
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Help Us Help The Children 

Visitation

Service

Date
December 13, 2023
Location
St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church
Time
10:00 AM

Burial

Date
December 13, 2023
Location
Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery, Burlington
Time
12:30 PM
Memo

Burial Time is an Estimate

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December 14, 2023
Amanda Kennedy
Dear Martha and family, My sincere condolences for your loss. I was so inspired reading about your mum - she sounded like an amazing lady - a true educator and caregiver who lived a very full life nurturing friends and family. Sending love and light, Amanda Kennedy