Olha  Iwanejko, age 105, passed away on March 18, 2023 surrounded by family. Olha is predeceased by husband, Iwan Iwanejko; sister-in-law Malvina Koropey (+Ostap); nephew, Andrij Koropey, goddaughter and niece Maria Koropey Zobniw. Olha is survived by her nephew Orest Koropey (Dr. Maria Koropey) and Lubomyr Zobniw; great-nieces and nephews Nadia Koropey; Peter Koropey; Dr. Zoriana Zobniw Nehrebeckyj (Yuri Nehrebeckyj), Dr. Adrian Zobniw and children Anna, Adam, and Patrick Zobniw; Oresta Zobniw Lisowsky (Dr. Taras Lisowsky) and children Sonya and Damian; and Dr. Chrystia Zobniw; as well as extended family in Ukraine.

Olha was born in 1918 in Horodovychi, Lviv Oblast, Ukraine to Iwan and Maria Chudio. Growing up on the Chudio family farm, Olha learned tasks of farm husbandry, making linen fabric from flax, became an excellent bareback equestrian at an early age, and a sharpshooter hunter. These life skills proved essential in her survival during WWII.

Olha and Iwan Iwanejko fell in love and quickly married, eager to start a life together. Their plans for the future were disrupted when enemy armies descended upon their home, and they were forced to flee Ukraine during WWII. After spending four years in Germany in displaced person camps, the couple was sponsored and allowed to immigrate to America in 1949. This was a bittersweet moment as they were leaving family in Europe and Ukraine, however, they found comfort in the plan of someday returning home to Ukraine.

Binghamton, NY became their new home with its prospect of jobs for immigrants and an already present Ukrainian community. Despite not knowing English, Olha was armed with great perseverance, and secured a job for herself and her husband at Endicott Johnson Shoes. Olha was a meticulous worker and during her 33 years of service rose to the ranks of Quality Control Manager for the EJ Army Shoes division. She managed a diverse multilingual team of immigrant women Olha's knowledge of five languages, ensured seamless operations in her department.

Olha and Iwan were a loving and handsome couple.: They went to work together each day, designed and built their own home, and created an active life here within the Ukrainian community. Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church was the cornerstone of their Ukrainian Catholic religious life, Ukrainian cultural life, and family life. To the last breath of life, Olha was a devout Ukrainian Catholic living each day in her faith, and providing an example to her family of how to be a good Christian. Olha understood the importance of our Ukrainian Catholic Church here in Binghamton, NY – especially as Ukrainian Catholics were being persecuted in Ukraine. She worked tirelessly to support her Church through her volunteerism – her specialty being the Ukrainian Church Kitchen. Olha organized and led the kitchen during fundraising events, created incredible Ukrainian delicacy desserts and tortes, pinched and rolled thousands of pyrohy and holubtsi, and was always ready to share her Ukrainian cooking talents with anyone willing to learn. At age 98, Olha was still in the Church Kitchen teaching ladies of the parish how to bake her Paska for Easter.

Olha showed her activism for Ukraine by her membership in Ukrainian National Women's League of America, and Ukrainian Congress Committee of America. Through these organizations, Olha promoted and shared her Ukrainian culture and history. Olha and Iwan believed that the more people knew about Ukraine, the harder it was for the Soviet system to erase their homeland.

Olha and Iwan were unable to have children, but the couple created a close connection with their family and their Sacred Heart Ukrainian Church family. Olha always told her family that they all were her children, and they were spoiled and loved dearly by her. At Church, generations were doted on and tenderly called “Ribtsyu” (little fish). Olha's kindness, quick wit, expansive knowledge, life insights, and love always drew people to her, in kind creating a school of fish around her. These developed connections gave Olha support and strength as she cared for Iwan in the home during his 15 year battle with Alzheimer's.

Olha's home was always bathed in love and homemade food, and lots of it. The couple loved to host people in their home, making sure to include friends who were alone in America – creating a sense of family for those separated from their loved ones. Olha's table was a destination stop for each priest who served at Sacred Heart. Guests never left their home hungry, and came away from the experience in better spirits. Olha was also an expert seamstress and Ukrainian embroiderer. She used her abilities to sew clothing for her family, furnish her home, and taught many ladies how to sew and stitch so they could help their own families. Olha was truly a lady of many talents.

Olha will be dearly missed by all. She left an enduring example of faith in God and love of family, community, and Ukraine. These are the secrets to her long life. For those who knew Olha, it is an honor to be a part of her long-lasting legacy.

A visitation for Olha will be held Friday, March 24, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 7:00PM at Chopyak- Scheider Funeral Home 326 Prospect Street Binghamton, NY 13905. The Parastas will be held at 7:00 PM.

A funeral service will occur Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 10:00AM at Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church 230 Ukrainian Hill Road Johnson City, NY.

Olha requested that in lieu of flowers, to please consider making a donation to Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church.

Vichnaya Pamyat! Eternal Memory!