Obituary

In Loving Memory of Tatiana, affectionately known as Tania, who graced this world for a remarkable 100 years. She departed on December 5th, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, compassion, and a life rich with diverse experiences.
Tania was born in 1923 in Barycz, near the town of Przemysl, in what is now Poland. The eldest of four children, she hailed from a family deeply rooted in faith and education. Her father, a Ukrainian Catholic priest, and her mother, a teacher, instilled in her the values of knowledge and compassion from an early age.
In 1942, Tania graduated with a certificate in education, and the following year, she embarked on a journey toward a medical career. Despite facing the challenges of World War II, she completed pre-med courses in 1943, preparing to study medicine at the Lviv Medical Academy. Unfortunately, the occupation by Soviet forces, disrupted her aspirations, as she and her younger sister were forcibly removed from the Academy in their third year of study and deported to the Yakutsk Republic in Siberia.
In the harsh conditions of Siberia, both sisters endured laborious work cutting lumber in the forests of Yakutsk, often facing scarcity of food. Their medical training, however, led to a reassignment to the Aldan Regional Hospital, where they worked as nurses. It was in Aldan that they were reunited with their parents, who had also been deported to another region of Siberia. Tania's dedication and skill as a senior nurse were evident as she completed her professional nursing exams.
In 1957, the family finally returned to Poland, and Tania, ever determined, intended to resume her medical studies. However, economic constraints led her to complete her Polish nursing certification, and she served in the local hospital in the city of Szczecin until 1966. In that year, Tania embarked on a new chapter, immigrating to Canada.
In Canada, Tania's life took a different course as she met and married her husband Michael. Her career path shifted to that of a librarian, where she found fulfilment until her retirement. Post-retirement, Tania embraced the joys of life, travelling and savouring the moments with her loved ones and friends.
Tania's journey reflects not only the hardships she overcame but also the enduring spirit with which she approached each chapter of her life. Her story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to family, friends and profession. Tania's memory will forever inspire those who were privileged to know her.
A celebration of Tatiana's life will be held at the Cardinal Annette Chapel on Monday December 18th at 9 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity supporting humanitarian relief in Ukraine in Tania's honour.
Rest in peace, our dear Tania. Your strength and spirit will forever be etched in our hearts.

Visitation

Date
December 18, 2023
Location
Cardinal Funeral Home, Annette Chapel
Time
09:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Service

Date
December 18, 2023
Location
Cardinal Funeral Home Annette Chapel
Time
10:00 AM

Burial

Date
December 18, 2023
Location
St Volodymyr Ukrainian Cemetery
Time
11:30 AM

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December 18, 2023
Adrian Suszko
Missing you greatly Tyotya Tanya. You were such a warm and caring spirit. Always a delight to spend time with and so wonderful with the children. Greatly enjoyed your witty repartee whenever we got to chat. Few others could compare to the unique individual that you were. May you rest in peace.
December 15, 2023
Nicola Rudzik
I have such loving fond memories of family gatherings with great Auntie Tanya with her smile and laughter. She was kind, generous and just such a lovely person in my life.
December 14, 2023
Nicholas Rudzik
Rest in peace Auntie Tania. Nick
December 13, 2023
Eileen Pyne Rudzik
Sincere condolences on the passing of our dear "Aunty Tania". What a special person she was....... refined and cultured, but full of joy and fond of a joke. She was a fine lady and a true friend and I shall miss her. May she rest in peace. Eileen.