Maria Stanko

It is with deep sadness we announce that our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother (Maria (Iwaskiw) Stanko has been called to the Lord on December 9, 2020.  She was 94 years old.

Maria is survived by her two loving daughters, Orysia (John) Trevisan, Olia (Nick) Kuzewycz, Grandson Nicholas (Amanda) Kuzewycz and granddaughter Natalya (Joshua) Knapp, three great-grandchildren, Cassidy and Nicholas Kuzewycz and Yaremchik Knapp and her only cousin Genia Holowecky in Alberta, Canada. Maria was pre-deceased by her husband Peter (Orel) Stanko and son Roman Peter Stanko, her mother Anna Iwaskiw and brother Stefan. 

Maria was born on November 1, 1926 in the Ternopil oblast, region of Chortkiv in the village of Polashivko.   She was a strong woman who came to this country as an immigrant.  When she was fourteen years of age, she and her mother were taken from their home in Ukraine to Germany where she was forced to work in a labor work camp.  When the Americans freed her and her mother at the close of WW II, they were sent to a displaced persons camp.  In April of 1950 they traveled to America on a ship via Elis Island in New York.  Our mother met our father aboard the ship and they married in 1951.  They were married for 58 years.  Maria never had a childhood; she lost her father as a young child and was the sole caretaker for her mother.  Her one and only brother died in the war. 

She was a survivor driven by her strong religious faith.  She spent two years at St. Joseph’s Home in Sloatsburg, NY which was run by the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate who offered a wonderful program and nurturing environment.  She was transferred to Pennypack Rehab in Philadelphia.  She developed pneumonia and succumbed to her illness on December 9, 2020.    

Maria devoted her life to her family and the Ukrainian community.  She was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary for Defense of Four Freedoms of Ukraine, member of the Ukrainian American Youth Association (CYM) and volunteered at her church and was a member of the church choir.

She was not only a wonderful mother, she was our best friend and confidant— someone we respected, loved and admired. She will be greatly missed.  Vichnaya Pamiat!  Eternal Memory! 

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Monday at 9:30 AM at Annunciation BVM Ukrainian Catholic Church, Melrose Park, PA.  Panakyda prayers will be sung at 10:15 AM with Requiem Liturgy celebrated at 10:30 AM.  Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Elkins Park, PA.

Donations in Maria's memory may be made to:  Annunciation BVM Ukrainian Catholic Church; St. Joseph Adult Care Home Building Fund; Ukrainian Hour Radio Program or; Ukrainian American Youth Association.       

Orysia and Olia understand that this is a sensitive time for public gatherings.  It is requested that guests practice social distancing and wear a mask.  They urge you to follow health decisions with which you are most comfortable.  Please know that they understand and support your decisions.                                                                                                                                            


 

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