Elvira (Vera) Pidperyhora

Mrs. Elvira (Vera) Pidperyhora of Elkins Park, loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at the age of 96.  Elvira is predeceased by her parents (Johannes Atolainen and Wilhelmina Makela), sister (Olga Koivistolainen) and her beloved husband, Stefan, of 50 years.

Elvira was born on September 17, 1923 in Imatra, Finland, where she grew up and attended grade school and home economics school.   During World War II, she was displaced to Germany and while there met her husband, Stefan Pidperyhora.  Elvira and Stefan married in 1946.  While still in Germany, she gave birth to their daughter, Olga.  The family moved to Belgium in 1947 where they had their second child, Elias.  In 1960, Elvira and her family emigrated to the United States and settled in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia where Elvira worked as a seamstress for Good Lad Apparel until her retirement. 

Elvira had numerous talents and was well-known for her fierce loyalty and sharp wit. She was an expert seamstress with the ability to create intricate designs  with and without patterns.  For many years she designed and donated beautiful theatrical costumes for the Jenkintown Music Theater, Abington Young People's Theater and Hatboro-Horsham School District. Elvira was also skilled in the kitchen and was a fabulous cook, especially in the preparation of magnificent holiday and family dinners.  Elvira also loved to paint, grow her own vegetables and berries, tend to her large garden and take daily walks to the park with her miniature dachshund, Sparky. 

Elvira's pride and joy were her family, especially her three grandchildren, Christopher Lucien and Elias and Jillian Pery, along with her children Olga Luczyn and Elias Pery. Elvira was a truly one-of-a-kind, selfless woman who was loved by all. She will be missed by many, and never forgotten. 

Her body will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Saint Mary's Cemetery in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.  

The family has chosen to follow state guidelines to protect the health and well-being of family and friends and interment will be private for immediate family.

A memorial service and celebration of Elvira’s life will be scheduled at a later date.   

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church

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