Obituary

We are saddened to announce the passing of our mother on May 1st, 2026 at the age of 98. She is predeceased by her husband, Roman and is survived by her daughter Julia and son in law Andy Andruchiw. Maria was a kind hearted, nurturing soul who always had a smile for anyone she met. After surviving the Ukrainian Genocide known as the Holodomor and forced labour work as a teenager in Nazi Germany.  She arrived in Toronto, Canada in 1952 and she and Roman worked hard to make a good life for their family. She was active in the Ukrainian Community in Toronto. She lived the last 12 years of her life at St. Demetrius Senior’s Residence.

We thank all the personal care workers for taking care of her in the last years that allowed her to live independently.

The funeral service will be held at St. Demetrius the Great Martyr Church on 135 La Rose Ave, Toronto on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026 at 11:00am. A period of visiting will take place at the church ahead of the service, beginning at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Maria’s honour can be made to Unite With Ukraine initiative of the Ukrainian World Congress.

Visitation

Date
May 06, 2026
Location
St. Demetrius the Great Martyr Ukrainian Catholic Church
Time
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Service

Date
May 06, 2026
Location
St. Demetrius the Great Martyr Church
Time
11:00 AM

Burial

Date
May 06, 2026
Location
Park Lawn Cemetery
Time
12:30 PM
Memo

Burial Time is an estimate

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May 05, 2026
Halya Stefaniuk Hilferink and family
Dear Julie and Andy, our heartfelt condolences go out to you. Your mother was a beautiful lady, kind, generous and loving with a huge heart and radiant smile who had a gift of making everyone feel special with her warmth and cheerfulness. May you find comfort in all the loving memories you shared with her. Vichnaya Pamyat!