Vera Kaczaj

Vera Kaczaj, 90, of Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 9, 2026.

Vera (née Sushko) was the beloved daughter of the late Reverend Wasyl Sushko and Maria Sushko (née Kulchytska). Her father, Reverend Wasyl Sushko, was a pastor in the Ukrainian Catholic Rite. Vera was the youngest of five children.

Her life was shaped by extraordinary circumstances from an early age. During the Second World War, Vera and her family were forced to leave their homeland of Ukraine.  After spending five years in Austria, the family immigrated to the United States, where they were fortunate to have the support of a sponsor who helped them begin their new lives. They eventually settled in Baltimore, Maryland, and Vera proudly became a naturalized citizen of the United States while always cherishing her Ukrainian heritage.

Vera valued education and had a lifelong appreciation for art, culture, and learning. She studied at Manor College in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, and Notre Dame University in Baltimore, Maryland, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art and Scientific German language.

Vera was also a highly talented and creative dental ceramist, a profession that allowed her to combine her artistic gifts with remarkable skill and precision.  She brought an artist's eye to her work, using her knowledge of color, form and fine detail to create dental restorations with exceptional artistry and craftsmanship.  Her natural creativity and artistic ability were reflected not only in her professional life but also in the beautiful artwork she would later create.

Vera married Jaroslaw Kaczaj, a chemist specializing in analytical chemistry and spectroscopy. Together they built a family and a life filled with love. Following her husband's passing, Vera returned to one of her great passions—art. A gifted artist, she created many beautiful works, particularly vibrant landscapes and other expressive scenes distinguished by their warmth, simplicity, and beauty. Her artwork was exhibited in galleries throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Above all else, Vera treasured her family. She was the loving mother of three children, Marta, Roman, and Markian, and the proud grandmother of Christina, Mark, Zachary, and Emilia. She took tremendous pride in her children and their accomplishments, and her grandchildren were truly the shining stars of her life.

Vera is survived by her daughter, Marta, and her husband, James Vosbikian; granddaughter Christina Vosbikian; her son Roman and his wife, Olha Kaczaj; grandchildren Mark, Zachary, and Emilia Kachai; her youngest son, Markian Kaczaj; and many relatives in the United States and Europe.

Vera's life spanned continents, generations, hardship, perseverance, creativity, faith, and above all, love of family. Her journey from wartime Europe and Ukraine to a new life in America, her devotion to her family, and the beauty she created through her art will remain an enduring part of her legacy.

May Vera find everlasting beauty and truth in God's eternal presence.

May Vera Rest in Peace.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Vera's viewing on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Annunciation BVM Ukrainian Catholic Church in Melrose Park, Pennsylvania. A Requiem Liturgy will be celebrated at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Vera's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Salem County Humane Society.

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