Obituary

Cecile Slawka Barida (nee Struk) passed away peacefully at Saint Joseph Health Centre Pallative  Care surrounded by love. She was predeceased by her husband, Reverend Michael Barida. Cecile was the devoted mother of Teresa ( Brian) Catherine ( Cole) Mary (Peter) and Daniel (Julie). She was a cherished and doting grandmother to Alex (Leah), Adriana (Kyle), Melanie, Nicholas, Michael, Thomas, Christian, and Caitlyn. 

A proud Canadian of Ukrainian heritage, Cecile grew up on D’Arcy St., attending Ord Street Public School and Central Commerce  High School.  She worked at Page  Hersey after graduating until she married Michael and began her most important role as a dedicated, loving mother.

Cecile gave generously of her time and energy volunteering for Sunnybrook Hospital, the Canadian Cancer Society, and supporting her children’s schools, St. Anselem and St. Demetrius through countless events and school trips.

In 1978 Cecile and Michael moved from Leaside to Etobicoke, where their lives became deeply rooted in the St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic community. After Michael was ordained to the priesthood, Cecile embraced her role becoming an active and enthusiastic member- past president- of the Ukrainian Catholic Womens League at St. Demetrius Church

After Michael’s sudden passing in 1990, Cecile earned her drivers license and lived the next 35 years with independence, her signature brand of humour, wit and purpose. Her love language was acts of service, expressed through constant support of her children and grandchildren. She baked, cooked, gardened , and championed  environmental causes with passion.

Cecile faced life with enthusiasm, humor, and radiant positivity. Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February 2022 and given three months to live, in true Cecile fashion, she defied expectations, living more than 3 1/2 years, pain-free,  fully present, embracing each day with gratitude and joy.

Cecile remained young at heart  and her sense of humour never wavered,  not even in her final days. She had a gift for making those around her feel joy, comfort and connection.

Her legacy is one of love, service, strength, and unwavering optimism. She will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held at Cardinal Funeral Home, 92 Annette Street, on Monday, June 16 from 6 to 8 PM. Panachyda at 7 pm .

Funeral to be held at Christ the Good  Shepherd, Ukrainian Catholic Church, 182 6th St., Etobicoke at 1 PM on Wednesday, June 18.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donating to Sunnybrook Ukraine Surgical Education Initiative.

Vichnaya Pamyat. May her memory be eternal , dear mother .

 

Visitation

Date
June 16, 2025
Location
Cardinal Funeral Home, Annette
Time
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Memo

Panakhyda 7 p.m..

Service

Date
June 18, 2025
Location
Christ the Good Shepherd Parish St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church
Time
01:00 PM

Burial / Entombment / Cremation

*

June 20, 2025
Jerry and Jane Rypan
Cecile Barida was a kind and caring woman, please accept our heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Rypan family. We made a donation to the Sunnybrook Ukraine Surgical Education Initiative as per your wishes.
June 17, 2025
Anna (Iwachiw) Woloszansky
My deepest condolences. Slawka was my mother’s bridesmaid, as their families were both from Domamorych. Vichnaya pam’yat to you Mama and Baba.
June 15, 2025
Tanya Tarapacky
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your dear mother and grandmother. I will always remember your mother as a very positive, caring person, who always found something lovely to comment on whatever the situation was. May she rest in peace. Vichnaya Pam'yat.