Maria Nebesnyj

Maria Nebesnyj (nee Kutz), of Philadelphia, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at the age of 93 after a long illness. She was surrounded by her loving family.
One of five children, Maria was born in the village of Konela, Ukraine on August 19, 1926 to Luba (nee Chorna) and Prokip Kutz. Maria survived the Holodomor (man-made famine genocide in Ukraine in 1932-33) at the age of six and began her schooling the following year. She finished eight grades before the reach of World War II extended into Ukraine. Taken from her village by the Germans, she was forced to work in the kitchen of a hospital in Reutte, Austria at 15 years old. On May 7, 1949, Maria was married to her late husband Wasyl Nebesnyj and on May 10, 1950, they immigrated to the United States and settled in Philadelphia. She held jobs at Miller Brothers’ Company Butcher Shop, Nickelson File Company, and Myer Manufacturing Company. Maria’s faith and Church were very important to her; she was a very active supporter of her parish, Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and could be found in the kitchen there every week making pierogies, helping with Church dinners, and working the annual Christmas Bazaar. Maria supported the Ukrainian American Youth Association (UAYA) and served as secretary of the Parents’ Committee. She would also help make lunches every Saturday for the children who attended the UAYA Ukrainian School. Maria enjoyed embroidering traditional Ukrainian designs, baking, and working in the garden, but most of all enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Wasyl Nebesnyj and their son Stephen Nebesnyj. She is survived by her daughter Helen Midzak (John). Maria was the loving grandmother of Katryna Kornecki (Michael), Natalie, Michael, and Mark Midzak. 

Maria's viewing will be held Saturday 10:00 AM December 7th at  Annunciation of the BVM Ukrainian Catholic Church, Old York Road & Valley Road, Melrose Park, PA. Panakhyda to begin at 11:45AM, with a Requiem Liturgy being celebrated at 12 noon.  Burial will follow at St. Mary Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Elkins Park, PA.

It is requested that in lieu of flowers donations in Maria's memory be offered to the Ukrainian Hour - Radio Program c/o J. Yaworsky, 1508 Society Hill Drive, Bensalem PA 19020. Donations for Liturgies in her memory would also be appreciated.

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