Oresta (Orysia) (Kusznir) Kyzyma

Oresta (Orysia) Kusznir Kyzyma

March 16, 1944 – January 17, 2026

Oresta (Orysia) Kusznir Kyzyma, age 81, passed away on January 17, 2026.

Oresta was born on March 16, 1944, in Nezvysko, Horodenka Raion, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, Ukraine, to the late Iwan and Maria Kusznir (née Maruszczak). Just days after her birth, amid the turmoil of Soviet occupation, Oresta escaped Ukraine with her parents and grandparents, seeking safety in a displaced persons camp in Germany. In 1949, her family emigrated to the United States, ultimately settling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—a city that would become her lifelong home.

Oresta valued education deeply. She attended Immaculate Conception School, followed by Philadelphia High School for Girls. She continued her studies at Penn State University and later pursued her passion for science and animals by studying Veterinary Medicine at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain—an experience that reflected her curiosity, determination, and global outlook.

Above all, Oresta was devoted to her family. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, George Kyzyma; her beloved daughter, Andrea Kyzyma; her brother, Ihor Kusznir, and his wife Daria; and her nephew, Dorian Kusznir; and many loving relatives in Ukraine.

Oresta’s life was defined by resilience, intellect, and quiet strength. From her earliest days shaped by displacement to a life built through perseverance and love, she embodied courage and grace. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her, both in the United States and abroad.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Viewing on Friday, January 23, from 10 am to 11 am, at Annunciation BVM Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1206 Valley Road, Melrose Park, PA 19027.  Requiem Liturgy 11 am.  Interment St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Elkins Park, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor can be made to support aid to Ukraine through the efforts of the family’s parish.  To do so, please send a check to “Annunciation of BVM Ukrainian Catholic Church” with “Humanitarian Fund” in the memo, mailed to 1206 Valley Road, Melrose Park, PA 19027.

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