Obituary

Maria Kateryna Szkambara (nee Kosmyna) was born in 1941 in Pukiv, Ukraine to Jaroslav and Stephania Kosmyna (nee Kyk). She was a loving wife to her husband Stefan, a loving, supportive and patient mother to her daughter, Luba, a devoted sister to Lesia Semcesen and dear aunt to Andrian (Kiko) and Katherine (Tusia). She welcomed our spouses into the family -- Jaroslav Semcesen, Doug Chomyn, Lecia Boyko and Kosta Constantakis. Nothing brought her more joy than her great-nephews Lukan, Oles, Lefteris and Nikolaj.

She was a gifted, creative educator -- intent on ensuring the children she taught understood learning as a great, life-long pleasure.  She was rigorous, but she brought joy along with a bit of chaos into her classrooms.

Her love for the land of her birth was central to her identity. She was a passionate advocate for Ukrainian sovereignty, independence and freedom for the Ukrainian people. Canada, her adopted country, provided a model for her hopes for her homeland. Through her leadership in the Ukrainian-Canadian community and international diasporic Ukrainian community over decades, she dedicated her exceptional talents to help Ukraine attain these goals and to foster an understanding in Canada of the struggles of the Ukrainian people.

To support her legacy, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, to please consider a donation to the Canada Ukraine Foundation

 

The family kindly requests that everyone wear a mask while indoors to keep everyone safe.  Thank you for your co-operation and understanding.

Visitation

Date
February 07, 2023
Location
Cardinal Funeral Home-Annette Chapel, 92 Annette Street
Time
05:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Memo

Panakhyda at 7:00 p.m.

Service

Date
February 08, 2023
Location
St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church, La Rose
Time
10:00 AM

Burial

Date
February 08, 2023
Location
St Volodymyr Ukrainian Cemetery
Time
12:00 PM
Memo

Burial Time is an Estimate

*

February 13, 2023
Nadia Zurba
Luba and Family. Sorry to hear of your mama's passing. Vichnaya pampyat.
February 10, 2023
Patsy Kasij
Heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during these difficult days. Marika was truly a blessing in our lives. Vichnaya Pamyat. Вічная пам’ять.
February 08, 2023
Marilyn Orszulik
Dear Lesa and family, My thoughts are with you. I was so sorry to hear about Mary. I know that you were so close to her and hope your memories of her will help you through this difficult time.
February 08, 2023
Lev K. Martyniuk
Dear Luba, please accept my sincerest condolences for the loss of your mother. If there is anything I can do for you or your family please, do not hesitate to contact me. Vichnaya Pamyat.
February 07, 2023
Nicholas Xynnis
May her memory be eternal.
February 06, 2023
Michael and Anne Szepetyk
Dear Stefan and family It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of your beloved wife and life partner Maria. She will be sadly missed. Maria was a prominent member of the Ukrainian community who will be forever remembered as a passionate and tireless advocate and fighter for the independence of Ukraine. We are so deeply sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace!
February 06, 2023
Roman Kosmyna
My deepest sympathy to the family on the loss of your dear wife, mother, sister & aunt. May the support of family & friends provide you comfort at this difficult time of loss. Marijka's leadership, contributions & advocacy within our Ukrainian community leave a lasting legacy. It was my honour to have known & worked with her many years ago. May Marijka rest in peace, Vichnaya Pam'yat!
February 06, 2023
Petro and Natalka Schturyn
Our deepest sympathies. Pani Marika was a true inspiration and an incredible leader. She set the bar for all of us in the Ukrainian community. Nechay vona spochyvaye Z Bohom! Vichnaya Pamyat!
February 06, 2023
Walter and Win Kuplowsky
Dear Stefan and Luba, Please accept our condolences on the passing away of your wife and mother. Maria will be dearly missed by all of those who came to know her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
February 06, 2023
Lorena Moniz
I am very sad to hear of Mary' s passing. I was honoured to have worked with her at Indian Road Crescent Public Schhool. She always provided me with both support and inspiration. I greatly admired her endless energy and passion that she brought to teaching. My condolences to her family.
February 06, 2023
Petro & Hania Woloszansky
Stefko, Luba, Lesia and family, our deepest condolences. Such a remarkable woman who will be greatly missed. May knowing she is now at peace bring you comfort. Z Bohom
February 06, 2023
Bohdanka Sawchuk
Marika made this world a better place. It was an honour to know her and work with her. She will be missed.
February 06, 2023
Lindy King
I am sorry for your loss. Mary was a women of bountiful enthusiasm and care. She welcomed me with open arms to my first full time teaching assignment in Toronto. At Indian Road Public School she kept a watchful eye and always offered an extra hand whenever I needed it as teaching a behavioural program was challenging. I am forever grateful for her kind awareness. As a family may you feel supported at this time.
February 06, 2023
DARKA MATYCZAK
We are deeply saddened by the death of Maria Shkambara. Members of the League of Ukrainian Women of Canada in Oshawa and our personal family express sincere condolences to the family of the deceased. May the Lord give you strength ат this difficult time. A painful loss for the entire Ukrainian community. Lord grant her the kingdom of heaven. Eternal memory. Вічная пам’ять
February 05, 2023
Vlodko&Zenia Horlatsch
We were deeply saddened to learn of Marijkas passing. She was a hard working woman with a lovely infectious smile. Our heartfelt condolences are extended to the Szkambara and Semchyshyn families during this difficult time of your loss. May your many memories bring you comfort. Vichnaya Pam’yat! Tsarstvo Nebesne! 🙏 Rory a Horlatsch
February 05, 2023
Fr. M. & M. Tataryn
We are saddened by the news of Marika’s passing to Our Lord. Her life was a true gift for all of us. She was an example of a person of service and righteousness, ever faithful to God and constantly devoted to serving our Ukrainian community. All of us have been blessed to have had our lives intersect. We are confident that today she is in the divine embrace and at peace with her parents and all who have gone before her. To her family, although we cannot be present with you, know that you are in our prayers and we hope our Lord’s tenderness gives you strength at this sorrowful time. Vichna ji pamiat’!
February 05, 2023
Kassandra Prus
I was so sorry to hear this news. I'm sure all who knew her will miss her humour and care. Thinking of the family at this challenging time. Vichnaya Pamyat'.
February 05, 2023
Nadia Tataryn
We are deeply saddened by the news of Marijka's passing and offer our most heartfelt condolences to the Szkambara and Semcesen families. May Marijka rest in peace. Vichnaya pamyat. The Tataryns.