Ms. Sonia Sachno

Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Sonia Sachno on May 31, 2023, in her 93rd year, at the Ukrainian Canadian Care Centre in Toronto.  Born December 25, 1930, in Poltava, Ukraine, as a young child Sonia survived the Holodomor and other atrocities imposed by Stalin, including the execution of her father by Soviet troops.  Not many years afterward, the Second World War broke out and Ukraine was occupied by the Nazi army.  Sonia and her mother Anastasia eventually numbered among the thousands of Ukrainians the Nazi army sent by train to work in Germany during the War.  Sonia and her mother survived World War Two and ended up in a Displaced Persons Camp where Sonia’s mother married Alexander Kowal.  In the late 40’s, Sonia emigrated to Canada with her mother and step-father. Since childhood, Sonia loved singing and joined church and community choirs in Toronto.  Her innate singing talents were recognized by the Ukrainian community which secured a scholarship for her to study music and opera at the Royal Conservatory of Music.  Sonia performed in many concerts, plays and operettas in Toronto throughout the early 1950’s.  In 1956, Sonia was chosen to play the lead role in the Ukrainian movie, “Hutsulka Ksenia” and she became a vedette of the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada, the US and Europe.  This movie was the culmination of her artistic career, although she continued to sing in Ukrainian choirs for many decades. Pre-deceased by her mother Anastasia Kowal and step-father, Alexander Kowal,  Sonia is survived by her son Walter Klimeck, sister Luba Kowal and brother-in-law George Heigenhauser.  Sonia was a beautiful, kind and incredibly brave soul who was much loved and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.  Her music and beautiful voice will live on. Visitation on Monday, June 5, 2023, at 10 a.m. ,at the Ukrainian Canadian Care Centre at 60 Richview Road. in Etobicoke, to be followed by a funeral service at the same location at 11 a.m. and then Interment at St. Volodymyr Cemetery in Oakville.  Instead of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made to UCU Helps Ukraine (account 721225100) or to the Ukrainian Canadian Care Centre.

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