Final Resting Place
St. John's Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery
501 Fairview Street
Johnson City, NY 13790
Lesia (Wilma) Klysh, 92, of Johnson City, fell asleep in the Lord on Thursday, July 20, 2023, after a brief illness. She was predeceased by her parents, Theodore and Emilia (Warski) Klysh; brothers, Cypryan (Margaret) Klish and Theodore (Helen) Klysh; sisters, Mary (William) Chebiniak and Emilia; and sister-in-law Pani Lillian Klysh. She is survived by her sister Nancy (Nicholas) Tarcha; brothers, Father Mirone Klysh and William (Mary Ann) Klish; 21 nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and nephews.
A lifelong Johnson City resident, Lesia proudly shared that she never left school. Right after graduating from Johnson City High School, she was offered a position as secretary to the J.C. Superintendent and went on to serve in that role through six Superintendents for 44 years.
Lesia's life centered around her faith and family. She was an active member of St. John's Ukrainian Orthodox Church where she was a folk dancer in her youth, sang in the choir, and volunteered across several organizations. She was Parish Council secretary for 36 years and Social Club secretary for over 60 years, even bartending on weekends. Lesia also was a member of the Sisterhood and the Ukrainian Orthodox League, but most will remember her work at the Memorial Center, especially polishing every plate and piece of silverware before banquets. She was recognized for her many years of dedicated service as an honorary member of the church.
Family was most important to Lesia. She always said that her family was her millions. She brought her family together each year to celebrate Christmas and Easter, remembered birthdays, and proudly attended her nieces' and nephews', and great nieces' and nephews', extracurricular activities and milestones. Lesia wanted each family member to know they were loved and appreciated by her, and she expressed it with her constant support, encouragement, and generosity. Her family lovingly surprised her with an “I Love Lesia” celebration in recognition of the many lives she touched, upon her retirement.
She was a loving sister, aunt, Godmother, and devoted parishioner who always thought of others first. Lesia will be remembered for her generosity, beautiful voice, hard work ethic, attention to detail, and positive attitude.
The family would like to express their gratitude to her dear sister Nancy who took care of her every need these past few years. Lesia enjoyed their weekly hair appointments, lunches, and working at catering events together. The family would like to extend special thanks to Mercy House for making Lesia's final days peaceful. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 26, at 11:00 AM, St. John's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1 St. John's Parkway, Johnson City with Protopresbyter Myron Oryhon officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 9:00-11:00 AM in the church. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared in her guestbook at Chopyak-Scheider.com. In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider a donation to her church or Mercy House.
MEMORY ETERNAL VICHNAYA PAMYAT
Wednesday, Jul 26, 2023
09:00
- 11:00
St. John Ukrainian Orthodox Church
1 St. John's Parkway
Johnson City, NY 13790
St. John's Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery
501 Fairview Street
Johnson City, NY 13790