KOMARNYCKY, Maria - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Maria (née Podolanko) Komarnycky, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to so many.
After spending four months in the Royal Victoria Hospital, she passed peacefully on the morning of December 7, 2023.
Maria is survived by her children, Lydia (Brent) Wells and Roman Komarnycky; her grandchildren, Matthew and Peter Nykyforchyn, Nick and Alexa Komarnycky; along with great-grandchildren, Dru and Jack Nykyforchyn, and Grace, Michael and Cassandra Komarnycky.
Maria was born in the village of Ozydiw, Ukraine.
With the invasion of the Bolsheviks, she fled to Regensburg, Germany.
Here she was able to work and completed her first Plast (Scouts) Commitment by becoming a group leader.
She was briefly reunited with her older brother, Bohdan Podolanko, who located her using the displaced persons registry. Although he and his wife moved to Australia, Maria chose to immigrate to Canada in 1948.
She landed in Winnipeg, where she worked to support herself as a nanny, but kept her connection with the Ukrainian community and joining Plast. In 1949, she married Bohdan Komarnycky and they were blessed with three children, Borys, Lydia and Roman.
Maria was very involved in helping to raise her grandchildren and took immense joy in watching them grow.
Maria will be remembered for her positive attitude and her ability to connect with all people.
She was very involved with the Ukrainian community and very much enjoyed her Church, St. Josaphats.
She continued her connection with Plast and became a group leader for young women.
Maria joined the Ukrainian Woman's League where she was an active participant, eventually attaining the title of President of the Canadian Ukrainian Womens League, where she served from 1995-1998.
Maria was a dear friend and trusted confidant to many.
Sadly, so many of those have passed and she mourned them daily. Her absence will be felt every day.
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