Maria Styranka was born on March 1, 1922 in Lypytsia, Ternopil, Ukraine.

Because of the advancing Russian armies in Ukraine in 1944, Maria left Ukraine with her husband Mychailo and newly born daughter Chrystyna.

They and their extended family fled Ukraine, settling first in refugee camps in Germany, then for four years in Tunisia, North Africa.

In 1952, the whole extended family left Tunisia. Maria and Mychaylo with their two children, Chrystyna and a young brother Yurij first went to France and then to the United States. After a year there, they decided to join the other members of the family in Toronto, Canada.

Maria and her husband worked hard to raise their children and give them an education. After a few years Maria decided to leave an unfulfilling job and seek to renew her interest in the art of painting.

She attended the Ontario College of Art and with great determination started to show her paintings first in group shows and later in solo shows not only in Toronto but throughout Canada, in New York, Brussels, Paris, and at the Museum of Visual Art in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Her art includes works in tempera, acrylic, and oil. But she is best known for the softness and atmosphere of her water colours.

Maria died on March 25th at the age of 104, peacefully at home with the comfort of her loved ones. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Mychailo, and son Yurij. She is survived by her daughter, Chrystyna, son-in-law Oussama, daughter-in-law Oksana, five grandchildren, two grandchildren-in-law, nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom will miss her very much.

Visitation and Panachyda will be held on Sunday, March 29th from 6-8 p.m., at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto.

Funeral Mass 10 a.m., on Monday, March 30th at St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, 110 Franklin Avenue, Toronto. Interment to follow at St. Volodymyr Cemetery, 1280 Dundas St West Oakville.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Terre D'Ukraine, an NGO founded by Maria's granddaughter and supporting Ukrainian families in France.
www.terredukraine.com/comment-nous-aider