Obituary of Patricia Kowalyshyn

Comforted by family at her bedside, Patricia quietly passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospice, Sarnia. Predeceased by parents Anne and John Kowalyshyn, paternal grandparents Jakiv and Nadia Kowalyshyn, and maternal grandparents Evdokia and Stephan Baran. Survived by her siblings Nadia, Darusia and Paul [Sandi], whom she loved unconditionally. We mourn the loss of our sister, yet prefer to celebrate her life.

Mitrophoric Archpriest Roman Galadza celebrated the Parastas [Funeral Vigil] with family and friends present. In accordance with Trish’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

April 5, 2023, Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts [5:00 o’clock] will precede the 40th day Panakhyda [Memorial Service] at St. Elias the Prophet Church 10193 Heritage Road, Brampton.

Patricia was the first grandchild born in Canada to immigrants from Ukraine. When paternal grandparents moved from Winnipeg to Toronto, the young family of four soon followed. When maternal grandparents moved to Sarnia, the family of six moved to their forever home city, Sarnia.

Trish graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University [BA], The University of Western Ontario [BEd], accepted a position with the London District Catholic School Board and earned Additional Qualifications at UWO [Religious Education Specialist]. Always proud of her Ukrainian heritage, as a university undergrad, Patricia taught Ukrainian Dance at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Transfiguration, Kitchener, and was President of the Ukrainian Canadian University Students’ Union. As an educator, Trish shared the art of writing pysanky [Ukrainian Easter eggs] and coordinated a penpal exchange with students in Ukraine [correspondence continues to this day!]. 

For the best part of thirty years, Trish was a conscientious and kind teacher who, without complaint, accepted the daily challenges of Multiple Sclerosis both in and out of the classroom with dignity and determination. Career, faith, family and friends sustained her. Being a godmother brought her joy. Sitting on her front porch reading, soaking in the sunshine and visiting with friends brought her peace and, as a lifelong fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Elvis, was known to enjoy an occasional glass of Pepsi or prosecco.

Our family acknowledges the many medical professionals who assisted in the care of Patricia, including: Neurologist Doctor John D. Kay, London; Doctor George Kim and Nurse Nancy, Byron Family Medical Centre; Committed health care providers, extended family and friends [you know who you are]; medical teams at London Health Sciences Centre; Doctor David Kim, Bluewater Health Palliative Care Unit and St. Joseph’s Hospice, Sarnia.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to Mitrophoric Archpriest Father Roman Galadza, Cantor Ilya Galadza, Father Ihor Petryk, Father Bohdan Winnicki and Chaplain Donna Chapman [LHSC].

In blessed sleep grant eternal rest, O Lord, to your ever-to-be-remembered servant, Patricia, and make her memory everlasting! Vichnaja pam’iat’.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Bluewater Health Foundation [Palliative Care];  Canadian Red Cross [Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal]; London Health Sciences Centre, MS Society of Canada, St. Joseph’s Hospice Sarnia; or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to McKenzie Blundy Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, Sarnia. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.mckenzieblundy.com.