In Memory of Katerine Kutney

Katerine Kutney, at 98 years of age, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2009 at Ivan Franko Home in Toronto. She was predeceased by her husband Stefan in 1970 and leave to mourn one son Eugene (June), a grandson Gerald and two grandchildren, Mitchell and Shellagh.

Katerine was born in Janczyn, Ukraine, on December 10, 1911. As a very young girl, she married Stefan Kutney. Due to hardships, the  newly-wed couple decided that Stefan immigrate to Canada to seek a better life. In 1930, Katerine followed him and arrived in Canora, Sask. In 1932, they moved to Winnipeg, Man. where their only son Eugene was born. After a short time in Winnipeg, the Kutneys moved to Toronto, St. Catharines, Sudbury and then back again to Winnipeg.

In the early 1940s, as a young girl, I remember meeting Stefan Kutney at The New Pathway Publishers Ltd. in Winnipeg where he was manager. I was fascinated by all the large printing machinery and asked him if I could try to set-up and print something on the linotype. What a disaster; the letters scattered all over the floor! Being a gentleman, he did not scold me but quickly picked up all the letters from the floor. From Winnipeg, the Kutneys moved again to Toronto, to Montreal and then to Chicago.

In 1963, Katerine, besides looking after her family, worked at Chicago’s famous Marina City Twin Towers. Eugene Kutney recalled for me how his mother worked very hard, waking up every work day at 3:30 am. to take the bus to get to work. Unfortunately, Stefan Kutney passed away in 1970 and his remains were brought to Toronto and laid to rest in Prospect Cemetery.

When Katerine moved back to Toronto, she worked at a food kiosk in The Silver Dollar Room. She continued with her long-time membership in the Ukrainian Women’s Organization of Canada. From 1979-1982, she was President of the UWO Toronto Branch and accomplished much, taking office at the exciting time when Toronto’s famous Metro International Caravan was a huge annual multicultural festival. Toronto’s Ukrainian National Federation “Kiev” Pavilion was one of Caravan’s most popular destinations and attracted visitors not only to show performances with the Boyan Choir, and the Kalyna Dance Ensemble and Orchestra. People also came to taste the delicious food “Kiev” was known for, prepared by UWO members and overseen by Katerine.

In her kind manner, but very persuasively, Katerine encouraged younger UWO members to take an active part in the organization and in the Ukrainian community. I was one who could not refuse her request to represent the UWO and agreed to assume the role of Treasurer and later President of the Ukrainian Canadian Women’s Council of Toronto.

As her health gradually declined, Katerine spent her last days at Ivan Franko Home. This kind gentle lady will be sadly missed not only by her family and friends, but also by the members of UWO.

The family would like to thank everyone at Ivan Franko Home who provided passionate care for Katerine. They also thank Stacey Suessmuth, UWO Toronto President and UWO members for their support attending the panakhyda, as well as, Rev. John Bartschyk for officiating at the panakhyda and funeral services held on Saturday, July 11 at Cardinal Funeral Home. Katerine Kutney was laid to rest beside her husband Stefan in Prospect Cemetery, Toronto.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Katerine may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or to the UNF Toronto Building Fund.

Vichnaya iy pam’yat’!

Mary Pidkowich,

Past President, Ukrainian Women’s Organization of Canada and

          Past President, Ukrainian National Federation of Canada