VALYNKEVYCH, Antonina Michailovna (nee Buraykova) - Antonina Michailovna Valynkevych (nee Buraykova) was born in Kalinen – now Tver – near Moscow on April 23rd, 1928.
Orphaned at a very early age and raised by family members, her childhood was beset with the struggles of World War II and for some of this time she participated in protecting Moscow, working with teams that constructed the miles of protective trench works for the city.
At war’s end, and still in her teen years, she obtained her nursing certificate, then commenced healthcare in Western Ukraine, the city of Stanislav, now called Ivano-Frankovsk. She worked in the various areas of nursing, pediactrics, surgery, as a registered nurse in a military hospital. Later she became a nurse with the country’s National Railroad until her retirement.
Honoured by the local newspaper for exemplary service, Antonina also participated in the hospital’s theatre performances, taking an active role with their comedy troupe; wry humour her specialty.
She married in Ivano-Frankovsk, Vitaly Valynkevych, and the couple had a lovely daughter, Alla. Several years later, her daughter having immigrated with family to Canada, Antonina joined them here, settling in Toronto in the early 2000’s.
She resided comfortably with family for some 20 years until her recent passing on February 7th, 2021, peacefully at Mt. Sinai Hospital.
She is survived by Alla, and her industrious & good natured grandson, Dennis Goloubev, and his wonderful and spunky wife Dana.
Antonina will always be remembered as a strong and confident woman, quietly supportive and always ready to help, or share in a laugh, perhaps a little wine or cognac for a toast on a special occasion - be it a holiday or a Saturday.
A toast to you in our thoughts, Antonina…
Arrangements entrusted with Ridley funeral home, Etobicoke.
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