Completed her life journey at the grand age of 100, gently passing away at the Ivan Franko Home Royal York on Wednesday, October 12, 2022.
Born on April 29, 1922 in Kaminka Buzhko, Ukraine Teofila (Fila) (nee Lapka) was married on May 18, 1940 at the tender age of 18 to Hryhory (Harry) Andrejko an electrical engineer. Following the tragic death of their 1 year old son Myroslav in 1942, they were blessed with the arrival of a daughter Halyna (Helena) within a year. The young family was then forced to leave behind their lives and home by the events of WWII just nine months later. Having to endure five years as displaced persons in Germany, the couple made the life-changing decision to emigrate to Canada for a chance at a better life. Sponsored by a generous benefactor from Calgary, they arrived at Pier 21, Halifax in November 1948 without resources and without command of the English language.
In this new world, Fila found comfort and community at St. Josaphat’s (Toronto) and later St. Mary’s of the Dormition (Mississauga) Ukrainian Catholic Churches where she was a member of the Women’s League and choir. She was also a regular at Ukrainian concerts, banquets and gala events. A second daughter Dana joined the thriving family in 1954.
An excellent and creative seamstress, Fila was always stylishly dressed, complete with hat and gloves to compliment her outfits for any occasion. A self-assured lady, she will be remembered among many other things, for her feisty nature, her independence, her tenacity, her fierce love of family and her fabulous tortes. Leisure time was filled with much socializing (card games, bingo, casino excursions) and travel which included winters spent in Florida, Arizona and Mexico.
Teofila was predeceased by her husband Hryhory and daughter Helena Decyk and is survived by her daughter Dana Boratto (Ron and daughter, Madison), grandchildren Mark Decyk (Odarka) and Dana Sacco (Andrew), and great grandchildren Gregory, Olena, Isabella and Sophia.
The family is very grateful to the incredible staff and administrators at the Ivan Franko Homes for taking such good and gentle care of Teofila.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ivan Franko Homes (ivanfrankohomes.com) or the charity of your choice.
Funeral Details
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Visitation
Turner & Porter - Neweduk - Erin Mills Chapel
1981 Dundas St. West, Mississauga, ON, L5K 1R2
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Thursday, 20 Oct 2022 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Funeral
Turner & Porter - Neweduk - Erin Mills Chapel
1981 Dundas St. West, Mississauga, ON, L5K 1R2
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Thursday, 20 Oct 2022 11:00 AM
Interment
St. John's Dixie Cemetery
737 Dundas Street East, Mississauga, ON, L4Y 2B5
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Thursday, 20 Oct 2022 12:30 PM
Info: Please note time of arrival at cemetery is approximate.