Peacefully on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at Toronto Western Hospital, just two months shy of her 100th birthday.

Beloved wife of 65 years to the late Nick. Devoted mother of Bohodar and cherished Babcha to Mykola.

Born in Dmytrovichi, Ukraine, Emily was taken from her home during the Second World War at age 15 and arrived in Canada after the war as a Displaced Person. Like so many of her generation, she rebuilt her life from circumstances not of her choosing and remained deeply grateful throughout her life for the opportunity Canada gave her to work, raise a family, and live in freedom. Her life was marked by perseverance, quiet strength, and an enduring sense of responsibility to others.

Emily was a PLAST senior scout leader for almost 30 years, contributing to the growth and development of generations of Ukrainian-Canadian children and youth in the Hamilton and St. Catharines areas through her dedication of time, energy, and care. A woman of deep and steady faith, she was active for decades in the Ukrainian Catholic parishes of Holy Spirit (Hamilton) and St. Mary’s (Grimsby), where she served for many years as president of the women’s auxiliary and played an important role in sustaining parish life through periods of change.

Alongside raising her family, Emily worked for many years in food production, where she was known for her diligence, reliability, and fairness. She earned the respect of those who worked with her through her strong work ethic and quiet leadership, and shared a life with Nick that was rooted in mutual respect, commitment, and service. In her later years, Emily found her greatest joy in her close and loving bond with her grandson, Mykola, with whom she shared a deeply affectionate and enduring relationship.

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., Toronto, on Sunday, December 21 from 6–8 p.m., with Panachyda at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church, 135 LaRose Ave., Toronto, on Monday, December 22 at 11 a.m.

Interment to follow at St. Volodymyr Cemetery, Oakville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Emily’s memory to St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church or the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.

We invite you to view Emily’s story and photo gallery.