Obituary

Stefania “Stephanie” Sybydlo (nee Diakowycz) passed away peacefully in her 92nd year at the Ukrainian Canadian Care Centre on Monday, May 18, 2020. Stefania was born in Lisnyky, Berezhany, Ukraine where she enjoyed a peaceful childhood within a loving family.  She developed a strong faith in God which helped her survive the trauma of being in the way of a raging war and fleeing in the midst of it. The family eventually ended up in a Displaced Persons’ Camp in Ellwangen, Germany. Although life was difficult in postwar Germany, the Ukrainian refugee community organized a church, school, cultural activities, and clubs. Stefania graduated with a diploma in dressmaking.

Stefania arrived in Montreal in October, 1948 where she joined a church and forged new friendships as she worked for two years to pay for her passage to Canada. She was able to sponsor her family who arrived in time for her wedding to Peter (deceased April 4,1991) in October 1951. The newlyweds settled in Toronto where they raised four children.

Stefania had varied interests and was able to converse on any topic. She enjoyed cultural events, listening to news commentaries, and reading everything from newspapers to the Bible. Not only did Stefania make bread baking look easy, but she was a great cook, skilled in sewing, embroidery, knitting, crocheting, and gardening. An exemplary mother, she cared deeply for her family, neighbours and Ukraine, not out of obligation, but because of who she was.

Stefania leaves behind her children Jaroslaw (the late Katya), Mary (Nicholas Tanchak), Bohdan (Victoria), and Alexander (Ann) along with nine grandchildren (Bohdan (Lauren), Andrew, Michael, Stephanie, Peter (Nadia), Peter, Pavlo, Stephan, and Elia) and two great grandchildren (Charlie and Lavinia).

In lieu of flowers donations to the Ukrainian Canadian Care Centre, 60 Richview Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9A 5E4 or St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church, 135 La Rose Ave, Etobicoke, ON M9P 1A6 would be appreciated by the family.

Visitation

Date
May 20, 2020
Location
Cardinal Funeral Home, Annette Chapel
Time
05:00 PM - 07:30 PM
Memo

Provincial Covid-19 precautions limit a maximum of 10 people in the funeral home at a time. This may require visitors to wait in line for access to the building. Panakhyda will take place after the visitation period and will not be open to the public.

Service

Date
May 21, 2020
Location
 
Time
 
Memo

Due to Covid-19 precautions the Chapel Service will not be open to the public.

Burial

Date
May 21, 2020
Location
St Volodymyr Ukrainian Cemetery
Time
 
Memo

Due to Covid-19 precautions the Interment Service will not be open to the public.

*

May 24, 2020
Tusia
Mary, Alex and your entire family. I was saddened to learn of your Mom’s passing. She always had a beautiful smile on her face. Mary, I could see the connection you had with your Mom. You took the time to be with her and she knew it. As parents get older, they might not always remember , but their hearts never forget their children. You could see the love your Mom had for you. You were loving, caring and patient. May happy memories of your Mom and Baba, help fill the void of not having her with you. Each time you remember her is reassurance that she lives on in your hearts. Peace and strength. Vichnaya Pamyat.
May 22, 2020
Trutiak Family
Dear Mary, Peter and Family, Our sincerest sympathies on the loss of your Mother and Baba. May her gentle and sweet soul rest in peace. Vichnaya Pamyat.
May 20, 2020
Josie Caruana
Dear Mary and family, my deepest condolences for the loss of your mother. May her memories comfort you through these difficult times and grant you peace. With love, Josie Caruana
May 20, 2020
Nadia and Randy Yetman
Dear Mary and Family, With deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories you shared. Love, Nadia and Randy Yetman
May 20, 2020
Petro & Hania Woloszansky
Our deepest condolences to all her Family: children, Grandchildren, her Sister and brother. З Богом +
May 20, 2020
Curkowskyj family
Our sincere sympathy and deepest condolence to the entire family. We pray for her soul and remember her genuineness, sincerity, loving nature. May memories of her guide you and all of us through these moments. Sister and teta will always be in our hearts. Vid ridnoi sestry Ewhenii i pleminykiv Romana, Bohdana, i Stepana - Vichnaya Pamiat.
May 20, 2020
Andrij & Hania Sydoryshyn
Our deepest condolences in the loss of your mother and grandmother. Vichnaya Pamyat
May 20, 2020
Christine Coote
Sharing in your sorrow - May all the cherished memories of your mother bring you comfort and peace. Vichnaya Pamiat.
May 19, 2020
Halyna Hilferink nee Stefaniuk
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your mother. May you find comfort in the loving memories you shared with her. Vichnaya Pamiat!
May 19, 2020
Nadia & Taras Tataryn
We were saddened by the news of your mother's passing. May she rest in peace. Vichnaya pamyat'!