Annemarie Boardman

Annemarie Boardman (nee Mykijewycz), a lifelong resident of Northeast Philadelphia, died Wednesday, July 10, 2024. She was 78.

Born in Klagenfurt, Austria, Anna was the oldest child of the late Sofia (Bohusz) and Michael Mykijewycz. “Hanya,” as Mama and Tato called her, became the big sister to brothers “Ben” (Marie), “Jerry” (Mary), and the late “Bill” (and late “Annie”).

Anna’s loving selflessness was the core of her personality and came to define her whole-hearted and light-hearted approach to life.  Her unique curiosity of foreign places, languages, and cultural experiences went hand-in-hand with forming bonds with countless people as she learned about their lives and backgrounds.  This was true in real life and in the Korean soap operas she enjoyed tremendously.

Anna lived close to her family and consistently supported each generation.  Her selfless dedication and care for Mama and Tato brought them stability and reliability as they established their family in the early years, and healing, joy, and smiles during their final years.

Anna could make anyone smile with her good sense of humor, sharp quips, and ability to relate to life’s ups and downs.  

After graduating Murrell Dobbins Technical High School in1963, Anna began work at Bell Telephone as a switch operator then went on to Kelsey Heintz.  Anna’s final professional role as a clerk to the City of Philadelphia Courts brought out Anna’s creative mind when it came to workplace activities.  Items for themed baskets occupied much of Mama & Tato’s dining room table as Anna artistically assembled hers.  One year, she won “Best Pickle” for her Philadelphia Mummer-dressed cucumber creation.

Anna’s greatest love in life was family, and the greatest loves of her life were her late son, Joseph M. Boardman, and granddaughter, Samantha.  Sharing their mom and Baba’s heart-warming and loving smile, Joe and Samantha brought out the best in Anna and made her happy beyond measure.

When Joe died in March 2019 and in the years since, the depth of her love for Joe, Samantha, and the whole family continued to shine through.  Anna always remembered our birthdays and milestones and celebrated our best times and offered compassion in our toughest times.  Quality conversation and edible fruit baskets were Anna’s favorite care package to give anyone in need of a pick-me-up, and receiving flowers was her favorite to receive.

The youngest family members, Anna’s great-nephews Travis, Thomas, Maksym, Finn, Lukian, and Stefan, and great-nieces Aubrey and Caroline were always first on her list when it came to finding the most captivating gift that sang, danced and made noise all parents just love.  Visiting her apartment, Travis and Aubrey helped Aunt Anna create unique flower displays in her front garden which featured dinosaurs, gnomes, and pinwheels.

Anna was the cool and creative aunt who spent quality time creating holiday arts and crafts, helping with science fair projects, and coming to school events with her nieces and nephews.  Affectionately called “Chochi Hanya” by Christina (Dennis), Stephen (Christina), Jennifer (Matthew), Roman (Natalia), Luba (Ryan) and Alex, Aunt Anna’s thoughtful and generous spirit truly shaped our childhood and adult lives.

Anna’s family will greet friends at 9:00am Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Annunciation BVM Ukrainian Catholic Church, Melrose Park, PA.  Requiem Liturgy will follow at 10 AM.  Burial will be at St. Mary Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Elkins Park, PA.

Anna’s love of family and stories are something that she and our family treasure.  In lieu of flowers, please share your stories and memories of Anna with us on the Tribute Wall below.  Our family greatly appreciates the warm-hearted connections Anna made over her lifetime and thank you for sharing yours.

In Anna’s memory, you may extend her love of family and enable the work of the United Ukrainian American Relief Committee, Inc. in their programs providing families stabilizing necessities.  Please visit their website: https://www.uuarc.org/

Our lives are brighter because of Anna in ways beyond measure. She’ll always be ours and God’s to treasure. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Annemarie Boardman, please visit our floral store.