Catherine Buyachok

CATHERINE BUYACHOK

 It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Catherine Buyachok on May 24, 2019 after a long and blessed life.  Catherine is survived by her three children, Sister Andreja Vladia of Sugarloaf Pennsylvania, Monsignor Michael and Bohdan both of Winnipeg.  Also mourning her passing is her brother Sam and his wife Maria, numerous nieces and nephews in Winnipeg, the United States and Ukraine and many beloved friends.  Catherine was predeceased by husband Andrew, sisters Mary, Anna and Polly and brothers Bill and John.

Catherine was the third of seven children born to parents John and Anna in selo Sukhavolia, povit Liubachiv, Lvivska oblast in Western Ukraine on March 1, 1917.  She left Ukraine at age 20 and worked as a domestic in Strasbourg France during the war years, where she married her husband Andrew.  With hopes for a better life, they immigrated to Canada in 1947, arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax before journeying by train to Winnipeg where she resided in the north end all her life.

Catherine was very proud of her Ukrainian heritage and her Ukrainian Catholic Church, being a lifelong active member of Blessed Virgin Mary Parish and Women’s League.   She loved to sing, and was a member of the parish Church and Millennium Choirs with whom she had the opportunity of travelling to Rome and sing liturgy mass for Pope John Paul.  A woman of deep and unwavering faith, she could still be seen, well into her 100’s, at mass every Sunday as well as every feast and holy day, singing liturgical refrains with a voice diminished by years, but strengthened by spirit..  She also enjoyed and looked forward to the monthly perogy making sessions with her dear parish friends.

Catherine was a cook by profession, working evenings all of her life.  She was fiercely independent and loved living in her sunny home of 60 years on Cathedral Avenue.  She was proud to have earned her driver’s license in her late 50’s, and immensely enjoyed driving into her early 90’s.  At 75, she learned to play the piano.  She was a hobby gardener, avid reader and adventurous world traveler, visiting 5 of 7 continents.  She loved to embroider, and her intricate handiwork graces numerous religious vestments, altar linens and banners, as well as various decorative arts vyshyvanka.  Her home welcomed everyone.  Her paska was the best.  Her kind heart recognized by all.

 Our mother’s long and beautiful life can simply be defined as one of hard work, respect for all living things, dedication and love for family and unwavering devotion to God.  She was always the first to help family and friends in any possible way, lending a sympathetic ear to those who needed one and treating everybody with dignity and respect.

We are so very happy that all of this was reciprocated to her during her life, particularly in her declining years.  Sincere thanks to Rev. Bashutskyy, parishioners and particularly the Women’s League of BVM Parish for your kindness and friendship.  Thanks to the ladies who drove her to services and events – you know who you are.  Thanks to family, for always including her in gatherings, for calls of support and frequent visits.  Thanks to all her friends for the regular calls and lunch outings.  Thanks to Dr. Lipinski for all the years of dedicated service.  Thanks to Drs. Terry and Andrea Babick and the entire staff of St. Mary’s Ward at Holy Family Nursing Home for all your respectful and compassionate care.  You are all angels.  And lastly, thanks be to God for the wonderful gift of our mother.  We are most grateful for her beautiful and precious life.  Panachyda will be sung on Tuesday, May 28 at 7:00 PM.  Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 29 at 10:00 AM.  Both services will be at BVM Church, 965 Boyd Avenue.  May she rest in eternal peace.  Forever in our memory, Vichnaya Pamyat

Flowers gratefully declined.  Should friends desire, donations may be made to Holy Annunciation Monastery, 403 West County Road, Sugarloaf, PA, 18249, USA. or to the Blessed Virgin Mary Church Iconostas Repair Fund, 965 Boyd Avenue, Winnipeg MB, R2X 0Z9.

Chrystos Voskres

 Korban Funeral Chapel

(204) 956-2193

www.korbanchapel.com