MARIA NYKOLAJKO LESKIW

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MARIA NYKOLAJKO LESKIW February 20, 1927 - April 12, 2017 Maria Nykolajko Leskiw, born February 20, 1927 in Bursztyn, Ukraine, passed away on April 12, 2017 at Seven Oaks Hospital as a result of a stroke. She leaves two nephews, Dmytro Nykolayko and Mychaylo Nykolayko, their children and grandchildren in Ukraine and in Chicago; goddaughter Maria Melnyk, and Maria's mother Olga Melnyk. In 1943 Maria was taken forcibly as slave labour to Germany and worked in a coal mine in Ahlen. Her job was to remove the rocks from the wagons already loaded with coal. Her future husband Mychajlo Leskiw had also been taken to work in the coal mines of Germany. It is in Ahlen that they met. He immigrated to Canada in 1949, she arrived in 1950, and in 1950 they married in Winnipeg. They worked hard to establish a peaceful life after the trauma of war and difficulty of immigration. Maria worked for many years at Manitoba Meat and Sausage. In Winnipeg they were active in the Ukrainian community, they participated in events at Instytut Prosvita, and were members of the Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Cathedral. Maria loved singing and knew many old and newer songs. Her husband Mychajlo passed away in June 1996 and she continued to live in her home until 2006. She loved her apple orchard and gave away many bags of apples to friends and neighbours. When she moved to the St. Mary the Protectress Villa she adapted to apartment life very quickly. She attended meetings and events at the Villa, enjoyed the summer flowers on the beautiful grounds, and joined the women who made varenyky in the Church Hall. She visited her relatives in Ukraine and continued assisting her relatives financially. Maria Leskiw will be remembered for her generosity and kindness. Thank you to the medical staff at the hospital and the administrative staff at the Villa. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice. Funeral Divine Liturgy will take place on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Mitrat Michael Buyachok at Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, 115 McGregor. Friends are invited for lunch to the Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Church Hall after the Divine Liturgy, and interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery. VICHNAYA PAMYAT KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-956-2193 www.korbanchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 18, 2017