Anna (nee-Rucka) Lewkowicz, 97, Mother, Baba, Great Baba, fell asleep in the Lord on February 4. She was predeceased by her husband John, son John, parents Andrew and Katherine Rucky, and all her siblings – brothers Joe, Tomko (Mary) and John (Pauline) Rucky and sisters Mary (Antin) Incala, Josephine Rucka and Julia (Peter) Bycz, who brought her to Johnson City from Germany in 1947, after WWII. Also predeceasing her are brother-in-law Mikolaj (Emilia) Lewkowicz, nephew Roman Lewkowicz and niece Ann Bycz.
She is survived by daughter Mary Ann (Bill) Klish with whom she lived for 42 years and daughter-in-law Cheryl Lewkowicz. Left to cherish her memory are grandchildren Emily (Brian) Smorol, Bill (Laura) Klish, and Julie (Steve) Tibbets whom she helped raise. Also, eight great-grandchildren, who brought her such joy, Anna, Chris, and Sophie Smorol, Will, Abby and Ben Klish, Zachary and Vera Tibbets, and many nieces and nephews here and in Ukraine.
Anna courageously left her home in Ukraine at age 19 when soldiers forced her to work in Germany until the war ended. After the sudden passing of her husband, she became a widow at age 54. Her faith sustained her. She was a member of St. John's Ukrainian Orthodox Church where she attended services on Sundays and Holy Days regularly, sang in the choir and worked hard at church and Sisterhood events. Anna took great pride in her Ukrainian heritage, making delicious foods and beautiful embroideries. She never forgot about her family in Ukraine, sending letters and packages.
Anna was blessed with many wonderful friends who kept her involved, taking her to many picnics, breakfasts and walks in Otsiningo Park. They had many parties where they laughed, sang, and reminisced. We rejoice that she has been reunited with them again.
Her one true passion was her garden where you would find her six days a week from spring until late fall. She maintained a huge garden and colorful flowerbeds into her 90s, not a weed to be found.
Anna's favorite season was spring. She loved watching everything come back to life. And that is when she will be laid to rest, when all of her daffodils are out and smiling.
A private service was held yesterday. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in her name, kindly consider a donation to St. John Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1 St. John's Parkway, Johnson City, NY 13790, the church she loved.
Kindly share your reflections on Anna's guestbook at Chopyak-Scheider.com.
Vichnaya Pamyat - Memory Eternal