UCC and SUSK Express Condolences for Loss of Vera Watowich (nee Zarowski)

Ottawa - It is with great sadness that the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and Ukrainian Canadian Students’ Union (SUSK) learned of the passing of Vera Watowich (nee Zarowski) on October 21, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. Vera served as the first President of SUSK from 1953-1958.

“SUSK members past and present are deeply saddened to learn of Vera’s passing. As the founding President of SUSK, Vera and her colleagues gave birth to one of the key pillars of organized Ukrainian life in Canada: namely an organized youth student leadership. It is a testament to those early pioneers, that almost sixty years later, SUSK continues to maintain a presence in most of Canada’s provinces, and, in fact, continues to grow and flourish.

In her speech during SUSK’s 50th year celebrations, Vera noted that SUSK gave reality to a century of dreams: to all those forefathers who had dedicated their labours faithfully to ensure the success of their children. This statement rings true now, more than ever. We are grateful for Vera’s service and leadership. We recognize that these helped guarantee the perpetuation of Ukrainian life in Canada, and for this we should all be very grateful,” stated Danylo Korbabicz, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Students’ Union.

“On behalf of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and all its constituent member organizations, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Vera Watowich’s family and friends,” stated Paul Grod, UCC President. “Vera was a true Ukrainian Canadian trailblazer whose legacy continues on today through SUSK. She loved Canada, her family and friends, and was always proud of her Ukrainian heritage. The Ukrainian Canadian community has suffered a great loss with her passing.”

May her memory be eternal. Вічна пам’ять.