Happy 95    Birthday!

On Tuesday, April 28, 2009, a pioneering member of OYK, Pearl Stefurak-Sych (nee Moskalyk, from Horodenka, Ukraine, Sudbury and Toronto) celebrated her 95^th Birthday.

It was a wonderful afternoon offering best wishes and gratitude for a lifetime of giving. She was  as steadfast in her love and care of her son, Taras John Stefurak (1932-2007) and providing for her family, as she was in business and helping friends. She continues to tell her stories and provides sensible advice.

The birthday party was hosted by her granddaughter Larissa Stefurak with a delicious lunch prepared by daughter-in-law Luba Stefurak. Granddaughters Olesia Stefurak, and Taresa Stefurak-Mulcahy, with great-granddaughter Bronwyn Mulcahy (at school: Sybil and Callum Mulcahy) were also present.

Providing the birthday cake, flowers and singing “Mnohaya lita” were Ukrainian Women’s Organization Toronto Members: Mary Pidkowich, Daria Diakowsky, Genya Hunchak, Irene Cord, Stacey Suessmuth, Mary Klymasz, Natalie Bundza-Iwanytzkyj (UWO of Canada President), Bernice Mokriy and Anne Fedun. UNF Toronto Member Dr. Peter Pidkowich also attended, taking this group photo. Mrs. Sych is a former patient of Dr. Pidkowich.

In honour of the support Pearl Sych has given over the years, donations were collected in her name for the UWO’s journal Women’s World. Natalka Bundza-Iwanytzkyi paid tribute to Pearl Sych with a heart-felt toast remarking on the meaningful efforts of such a determined and caring woman.