Message from Steve Zerkis

December 21, 2016 2:36 PM

Dear Myroslav and family, I'm very sorry for your loss of Orysia. I was searching the Internet and found her name in numerous places. She left her mark in many, many important ways besides raising her children and taking care of you! I still have wonderful memories of your wedding at Soyuzivka. God bless her and all of you.

Message from Julia Switenko Sydorowych

November 21, 2016 6:21 PM

I read with deep regret the obituary in the Ukrainian Weekly of a great Ukrainian writer and folklore expert, Orysia Tracz. I always read her columns in the Ukrainian Weekly and bought three of her books last Christmas. She will be greatly missed by the Ukrainian community and all the lives she touched through Facebook . My deep sympathy to her family. May her memory be eternal.

Message from Julia Switenko Sydorowych

November 21, 2016 6:21 PM

I read with deep regret the obituary in the Ukrainian Weekly of a great Ukrainian writer and folklore expert, Orysia Tracz. I always read her columns in the Ukrainian Weekly and bought three of her books last Christmas. She will be greatly missed by the Ukrainian community and all the lives she touched through Facebook . My deep sympathy to her family. May her memory be eternal.

Message from Cornelia Mary Bilinsky

November 16, 2016 7:54 AM

My deepest sympathy to the family. Orysia will be sadly missed by all who knew her. I was privileged to know her through her writings and through StoryFriends, her on-line writers' group. May her memory be eternal.

Message from John Burgess

November 15, 2016 1:02 PM

I will never forget Orysia's quickness to smile, joke, make people laugh, and help anybody. She was always so wise and kind. She left the world a much, much better place. Thank you Orysia.

Message from Marina Plett-Lyle

November 14, 2016 3:48 PM

Sending my sincere condolences to Myroslaw - I am so very sorry for your loss.
Marina Plett-Lyle

Message from Merika Graham Skirko (Toronto)

November 14, 2016 4:10 PM

Even though I left Winnipeg in 1999, I continued to hear of Orysia's involvement in the Ukrainian community. Everyone knew her. Everyone looked to her as the mama/baba of Ukrainian folklore, and rituals. Her last book is a treasure for all of our children, as was her dedication to Ukrainian culture in Canada. Sincere sympathy to her family, and to all of us who will miss her wisdom, even from afar. Vichnaya Pamyiat!

Message from Lesia Savedchuk

November 14, 2016 11:29 AM

Дорогі Мирослав, Руслан, Добрян, Боян! Пересилаю моє найщиріше співчуття в такий тяжкий для вас час. Я щойно недавно почала ближче дружити з вашою мамою і дружиною і дуже жалую, що ця дружба так нагло урвалася. В нас розмова йшла легко, плинно – ми говорили про писання, про пісні, про вишивки, про все! Годинами! Орися справді торкнула дуже багато людей в своєму житті і цей дотик буде нам всім дуже бракувати. Вічна їй пам’ять!

Message from Miranda Pasick

November 14, 2016 11:25 AM

My deepest condolences to Orysia's family.

Message from Danny Schur

November 14, 2016 5:59 AM

My deepest condolences to Orysia's family. Orysia was a profound influence on me, personally and professionally. Her pride in her Ukrainian-ness was so profound, it inspired a whole generation. I am deeply saddened by her passing and regret that I will not be present at prayers as I will be in Ottawa. But I will say a special prayer on the grounds of Parliament in honour of her. Vichnaja Pamiat!

Message from John Patrick Kowal

November 13, 2016 11:52 PM

To Family and Friends my Sincere Condolances for this untimely loss. I only met Orysia a couple of times. I was a fan of Her knowledge of Ukrainian customs and traditions, so much so that I picked up 5 of Her books for gifts to relatives. In these dark times for the Ukraine and Her People Her loss of knowledge is particularly and Her support is an added heart ache. May She be welcomed by Her Ancestors Veechnahyah Palmyaht - Memory Eternal.

Message from Helen Feniuk

November 13, 2016 9:24 PM

The breadth and influence of Orysia's contributions to our cultural life are immeasurable. I, will, however, remember her primarily for her generosity of spirit, her kind support, and the warmth of her enduring friendship which knew no bounds. She will be immensely missed by all who she crossed paths with her. Rest she rest in peace with God, the saints and the angels.
Love to the family, Helen Feniuk

Message from Irka Hayetska

November 13, 2016 7:36 PM

Наші співчуття для ціло Вашої родини від всіх Гаєцьких з Чікаґо. Мирославе,hang in there.

Irka здітьми.

Message from Linda Lassman

November 13, 2016 7:01 PM

I am so sorry to hear of Orysia's passing. She was one of my favourite people from my days in the UofM Libraries and I always looked forward to the occasions I caught the bus home with her. She was such a warm and caring person, so interesting and excited to share stories of her life and culture. Please accept my condolences on your loss.

Message from Barbara Lange

November 13, 2016 12:08 PM

My sincere condolences to Orysia's family on the passing of a wonderful and talented lady.

Message from Genyia Paliy-Moore

November 13, 2016 10:14 AM

Orysia,our true and beloved Berehenyia-Protectoress, of all things Ukrainian,will be greatly missed,but Orysia's spirit is already rightfully riding with the Kozaks of Ukraine.May God's earth gently cradle you. Vetchnaya Pamyat,till we meet in the Sich.

Message from Sherwood Park AB

November 13, 2016 9:29 AM

What an amazing woman! Let her loose in Ukraine as your tour guide and the fun begins .We took our whole family one year under her guidance, We were told to meet the lady with the sunflower hat at the airport. We had such fun. Although we have since gone on our own we would give anything to be able to travel with her again to Ukraine.
May her family cherish the memories. We will always remember dear Orysia.God bless you and comfort the family..May she rest in peace. Tamara Luchak and family.

Message from Vlodko and Orysia Boychuk, Edmonton, AB

November 13, 2016 2:51 AM

Вічная Їй Пам’ять! Our deepest condolences on this untimely passing. We just celebrated with Orysia several weeks ago at the UCC Congress in Regina, SK. She will be dearly missed. Наші глибокі співчуття родині покійної! Влодко та Орися Бойчуки, м. Едмонтон, пров. Альберта

Message from Dr. Eva Pip

November 13, 2016 9:00 AM

Orysia was a dear dear friend of mine for many decades. She was an indomitable torch that set an example for all of us to embrace and treasure our language, culture and identity. She was an incredibly kind person who went out of her way, REALLY out of her way, to help others. In all of the years I knew her, she never once had anything negative to say about another person. She made you feel validated, valued, esteemed. Very very few people that I have ever met have had this gift. She was selfless, passionate, committed and unbelievably generous with her time and patience. I remember her working tirelessly even from her hospital bed when she had her hip replacement. What an indescribably sad loss for us! But we know that she is still working up there, in her next existence. How could it be otherwise? Wichnaya Pamyat, Orysiu. Zo Swiatymy Upokoy, Khriste.

Message from John Rohs

November 12, 2016 8:21 PM

Good by dear friend.
I will never forget to take the plastic cover off on new calculators after our experience in 2005. A great moment.
A pleasent memory, I thank you for that.

Message from Halya Kuchmij

November 12, 2016 8:09 PM

Dear Myroslaw and family,

My heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved wife and mother. I know that there are NO words that can ever console your broken hearts during this terribly tragic time, but please find some comfort in the knowledge that Orysia was much loved and beloved. Her knowledge of all things Ukrainian was immeasurable. She was our go-to Ukrainian encyclopaedia. I remember this time last year, asking her how to make "vyshniak" and she replied immediately. I will make it again this year and have the first sip in her honour. Orysia's generous spirit and her work lives on through all of us. She was a true artist!

Vichnaya Pamiat!

Halya

Message from Stella Rebling

November 12, 2016 5:04 PM

My deepest condolences to the family on Orysia's passing.

Message from Vladimira Zvonik

November 12, 2016 4:56 PM

My condolence to Tracz Family. Orysia's friendly nature captured a lot of hearts. I will treasure for ever memories and her beautiful Christmas ornaments. Good buy Orysia
Vichnaya Pamyat

Message from Janice Trylinski and Anne Trylinski

November 12, 2016 2:44 PM

Dear Family,
Our sincerest sympathy on your loss. Orysia was truly a jewel and a lovely kind person. We will always remember her as a fantastic ethnographer and guide on our trip to Ukraine in 2010.

Message from Al Klymochko

November 12, 2016 2:34 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. I had the joy of working with Orysia on her Ukrainian Christmas Traditions book. I will always remember the smile on her face and her passion for Ukrainian Traditions.

Message from Linda Mikolayenko, Air Ronge, SK

November 12, 2016 2:16 PM

My deepest condolences to you, Myroslaw, and all the family. Orysia was so generous with sharing her knowledge and was an enthusiastic supporter of so many of us. She will be deeply missed. Вічная пам'ять.

Message from Ivan Myhul

November 12, 2016 1:31 PM

Висловлю моє глибоке співчуття Мирославові і родині.
Orysia will be missed.
Ivan Myhul

Message from Nadia Maksymiw & Andrew Ukrainec, Toronto

November 12, 2016 1:15 PM

Dear Myroslav and family. We are deeply saddened and extend our condolence to you and your family in this very difficult time. So many wonderful things can be said about Orysia. I truly admire and will forever remember the care and nurturing she showed our Saturday Ukrainian school class at Sts Vladimir and Olga. Her love of Ukrainian culture and tradition shone through to the next generation. My husband and I stand in admiration of Orysia's true heart and her many contributions to our Ukrainian community.

Message from Люба Білаш

November 12, 2016 11:20 AM

Дорогі Мирославе, Руслане, Добряне й Бояне! Прийміть від мене найщиріші й найглибші співчуття. Для України і українців світа це величезна втрата.
Світла пам'ять! Нехай Земля буде Орисі пухом.

Message from Roman Korol

November 12, 2016 7:31 AM

My deepest condolences to the family. Вічна їй пам'ять.

Message from Sylvia Todaschuk, Rosemarie & John, Charlene & Andrij & family

November 12, 2016 2:20 AM

May you always treasure wonderful memories of your wife and Mama! May you also take comfort in knowing that she will still be with you in spirit...guiding your days & blessing your dreams...always! We feel your heartache, and we will always value everything that we have learned from Orysia. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Вічна їй пам'ять! Наші найглибші співчуття. Нехай з Богом спочиває. We extend our sincerest sympathy to you all.

Message from Darka Senko ( Sydney, Australia )

November 12, 2016 12:05 AM

Shanovnyji Pan Myroslaw & Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of Pani Orysia. She was a remarkable woman who's knowledge of our Ukrainian customs and heritage coupled with the sharing of that knowledge, was a true gift that only few have been blessed with.
I had the privilege of working closely & spending time with Pani Orysia during her lectures that were a part of the celebration of 65 years of Ukrainians in Australia. These lectures we had all hoped were to be just the first of more to come..
May you all be comforted in knowing that her Legacy will live on through her teachings & the many hearts she touched.
We pray that Pani Orysia, now be rewarded for all her goodness by Our Lord with Eternal peace and happiness and that Our Blessed Mother Mary shower you and your family with her Blessings and Grace during this heartbreaking time.
Вічна Її Пам'ять!

Message from Gail Mackisey

November 11, 2016 11:24 PM

This is so sad. Orysia was a wonderful vibrant woman, kind, and thoughtful who did so much.for the Ukrainian community and Winnipeg. Gone before her time. My most sincere to condolences to the family.

Message from Marsha Skrypuch, Brantford ON

November 11, 2016 8:36 PM

Sending Orysia's family deep sympathy at this difficult time. Orysia was one of a kind -- encyclopedic knowledge of all things Ukrainian, passionate and supportive. She was my go-to person when I had questions about my own research, but more than that, she was my friend. Вічная пам'ять.

Message from Glen Konowalchuk

November 11, 2016 7:01 PM

She taught me in Ukrainian School and was a wealth of knowledge on culture, art and state of affairs. She will be deeply missed and my heart goes out to her family and friends.

Message from Chris Ulan, Saskatoon, SK

November 11, 2016 4:34 PM

I am so very sorry for your loss. Orysia was an inspiration to so many Ukrainians through her writing. The Ukrainian community must be grateful for all that she did to enable so many to retain and appreciate our traditions. I am so grateful that I exchanged words with her only days ago on Facebook. She became a dear friend even though I have not met her. Вічна їй пам’ять!

Message from Lilianna Juhasz

November 11, 2016 4:25 PM

You will be missed. Your contributions to Ukrainian ethnography are the jewels that will shine brightly and keep your memory alive. Vichnaya Pamyat.

Message from Irka and Ted Welhasch Baerg

November 11, 2016 4:07 PM

Dear Myroslaw and Family,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy at this, your time of deep sorrow, on the loss of your wife, Orysia, Mama and Babtsia.
All Our Love and Condolences,
Irka and Ted
Vichnaja Pamjat'! Вічная Пам'ять!

Message from Marta Romaniak Dlugosh & George Dlugosh - Oakville ON

November 11, 2016 2:02 PM

Прийміть щирі співчуття. Вічна Їі пам'ять !

Message from Tania D'Avignon

November 11, 2016 1:59 PM

Moji najshchyrishi spivchuttia rydyni.....duzhe velyka vtrata dlia Ukrajinskoi hromady...nekhaj Spochyvaje z Bohom...Vichnaja pamiat'...

Message from Larisa Scates

November 11, 2016 1:38 PM

Dear Orysia, you will be very much missed, not just by your friends and family, but by Ukrainians everywhere. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and love of Ukrainian culture with all of us. Deepest sympathies to the family - I wish I could be there in person, but please know that I am with you in spirit. Вічная пам'ять!

Message from Shirley Kalyniuk, Rossburn MB.( on behalf of our community)

November 14, 2016 9:19 AM

Our hearts are broken here in Rossburn, Mb. as I am sure in many other places where Orysia was known. We were to have Orysia visit us on Saturday November , 12 to speak about her book: First Star I See Tonight. Alas God had other plans for Orysia and we have lost the opportunity of ever meeting and hearing this beautiful talented lady. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Orysia was a very energetic lady who was also passionate about our culture. May she rest in peace.

Orysia (Paszczak) Tracz