It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Stefania Karpa (nee Krupa) on December 17, 2020 at the age of 87.
Stefania is survived by her son Mark, daughter-in-law Shelley, and her three grandchildren Orycia, Alexander, and Adrianna. Also mourning her passing are her sister Iryna, nieces, and nephews from Poland, extended family in Winnipeg, and her beloved friends. Stefania was predeceased by her husband John of 40 years, parents Nicholas and Eve, and sister Olga.
Stefania was born on April 4, 1933 in the town of Vetlin near the city of Yaroslav in Western Ukraine. She left home at the age of 29 and moved to Winnipeg in 1963 where she married her husband John in 1964. Stefania was very proud of her Ukrainian heritage and being a parishioner of St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church and Ukrainian Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of Sts. Volodymyr and Olha.
Stefania was involved with many Ukrainian organizations in Winnipeg including Institute Prosvita, Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League, Manitoba Ukrainian Canadian Women’s Committee, and Ukrainian Youth Association (C.Y.M.). Stefania also loved to sing and was a member of Dumka Choir for many years. Stefania was a seamstress working at Marika Fashion, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and from her house. She was also an avid gardener and wonderful cook.
Stefania was an unwavering servant of God and dedicated to her family. The love she had for Mark, Shelley, and especially her three grandchildren Orycia, Alexander, and Adrianna gave her the strength to have a long and beautiful life.
Thank you to Dr. Terry Babick, Dr. Andrea Babick, and the entire St. Mary’s ward staff at Holy Family Home for all of your compassionate care. We also want to thank Dr. Paul Szelemej and the entire G7 unit staff at HSC for making Stefania’s last days peaceful and comfortable. Lastly, we thank our Lord for the wonderful gift of our Mama and Baba. We are grateful for her beautiful and precious life.
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions in our province, the Panachyda and Divine Liturgy were sung privately on Tuesday, December 22 at the Ukrainian Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of Sts. Volodymr and Olha with interment followed at All Saints Cemetery officiated by Msgr Michael Buyachok.
May our Mama and Baba Rest in Eternal Peace, forever in our memory. Vichnaya Pamyat. Should you desire, donations can be made to the Lubov SSMI Foundation at http://www.lubovfoundation.ca/index.cfm.