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Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Daria Elyjiw
1930 - 2020
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Marta posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Mama Elyjiw made a TV appearance on Mother's Day, May 10, 2020
https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/rochester/news/2020/05/11/covid-19-changes-mother-s-day-celebrations
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Janice Smith posted a condolence
Monday, June 22, 2020
Vera, Marta,George and Peter...we are so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. We fondly recall her helping us to understand things about your family heritage, in so many ways. Such a happy and kind woman. We will miss seeing her on Christmas Eve and such. With love, Ken and Janice Smith
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Michael and Daria Pratt posted a condolence
Saturday, June 6, 2020
My heart goes out to the Elyjiw family. I know daughter Marta well as a teacher of Ukrainian culture to my children, as a boss, and as a friend, and through her I had the good fortune to meet Mrs. Elyjiw on several occasions. When I did, the word “sweet” always came to mind, as well as “lively and vivacious.” Marta’s wonderful words about her Mom made her come alive, even to those who were not lucky enough to meet her. Her daughter said that she was a good woman who led a good life, and once that is said everything else is secondary.
Even when the death of a parent, grandparent, friend is “expected,” it leaves a hole on earth that nothing can fill. Mrs. Elyjiw’s life and relationships with those around her have provided many wonderful memories, and this will help with the pain.
My condolences to all of her family members.
--Michael and Daria Pratt
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Marta (Maka) Kosarchyn posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
So many warm memories of Mama Elyjiw, in whose home was was lucky enough to be a guest, and whose "malynovyy sok" (I know Marta calls it sik now but I swear it was sok back then...) was the special treat on a Sunday visit at Sokil. She was warm and sweet and interesting and interested and she was always so comfortable to be around. And I remember grinning about getting a hotdog on rye bread (just like at my house) because, as Marta said many years later - who needs buns, we're Ukrainian and we have rye bread :) And delicious dill sauce on potatoes. And a hearty laugh always.
RIP Mama Elyjiw, your extended family treasures our memories of you.
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Sonia Cavolo (Tratch) posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
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Dear Family-
And this is what you were to me growing up...with no cousins or aunts/uncles in Rochester or anywhere nearby...you became like family. You were around the corner, and there was always something exciting going on! Sometimes it was a new litter of kittens, or a new butterfly or interesting insect added to the collection... or launching rockets, or learning to braid hair for the first time on Vera and Marta (which started my love of being a hairstylist), or eating my favorite of all times dessert: Pani Darka's famous "pishinger"....my mouth is watering thinking of it now. Any time I've ever tasted something that resembles that famous (in our family) dessert, I've always been dissappointed because nothing ever came close to tasting that good! What I would give to have some right now...or even to know how she made it....
Anyhow, Pani Darka's presence was always felt (like my brother Andriy posted) and her cheery disposition is the best way to describe her. You couldn't be around her without some of that cheeryness rubbing off. Having two children of my own now, I have days I can barely keep all the balls in the air...but even with 5 children (and often times litters of kittens added to the mix!) things never seemed crazy/chaotic over there. Pani Darka may have felt differently haha, but today it occurs to me what a great mother/house manager she was,...and how nicely she and the family were always dressed. It makes me respect her even more.
We loved Alex too, being my bother Andy's best friend (we even named our youngest after Alex)....I hope that being reunited with him brings them much joy. And I'm sure Pan Elijiw is very happy to see his wife!
Vichnaya Pamiat, which means "forever memory", or in other words, your memory will live on forever for those of us still living. :)
My deepest condolances to all of you.
Sonia
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Marta posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
This is an email that I wrote to my family members back in 2017
Just "happened" to come across it,,,
From: Brewer, Marta
Sent: Wednesday, March 01, 2017 8:11 AM
Subject: An evening with Baba
As you know, Baba and I go to the theater together.
Sometimes she is easier to be with than other times.
Just wanted to share with you last night’s experience at the Sound of Music production…..
I was not particularly eager to go: I was tired, had seen it before, more than once, and also because it is at the Auditorium Theater versus GEVA theater.
Getting Baba to the Auditorium, involves walking with her across Main street. Baba does not walk fast enough to make it on one light.
We arrive early …. very early . Sometimes I have to “stop traffic” as the signal changes, ( last night it was a bus, however the driver could see Baba struggling to keep up.)
We also leave before all the bow’s at the end of the show because crowds are “tricky” with her.
Well, who would have thought that I had such a great night last night?
The cast was phenomenal, outstanding voices, each and every one of them.
The volume was perfect, not too loud.
And Baba??? well she had a HUGE smile on her face the ENTIRE night. She was BEAMING. It was a delight for me to sit next to her.
The music was just perfect for her, not only did she like the melodies , she would often quietly “mouth” the words to the ones that she knew.
She would move her head back and forth to the music, she was enthralled.
She LOVES her sixth row aisle seat and made certain to point it out.
I heard all of her “play decks” about going to the theater as an eight year old, and I did not mind.
As is his custom, Vince an SP, who has season tickets in the balcony, waved to Baba before the start of the show, and you all know how much she likes to wave.
We have gotten to know some other season ticket holders and some came up to talk to us.
She told all of them how Harry (-: found her a great Assisted Living place and how happy she is there.
She was at ease last night.
Additionally, she had the photos that Pete sent her from the family day weekend in her purse.
She looked at them more than once, smiling and smiling and then smiling some more.
Her two favorite shots were of ski one, with Pete’s face cut off, but a close up of his smile (her youngest) , and Mark getting ready to “land” the helicopter into her outstretched hands.
She LOVED how Peter called and asked about Uke homework for Mark.
The final song of “Climb every Mountain” was belted out by a 200lb plus African American Singer that just filled the entire room; from the rafters down to every toe and every nerve ending in your body.
It was quite a night.
And I did even get upset with the $50 parking ticket that I got for parking closer than five feet from a driveway.
marta
Sonia Cavolo Tratch Posted Jun 3, 2020 at 5:44 PM
Love this Marta - Sound of Music has always been my favorite movie and I could picture everything you just described - what a beautiful evening you shared with your mother! Thank you for sharing it with us. Me and Andriy also loved your mother - you were all like family to us...Please keep us informed of the "celebration of life".
Love to you all,
Sonia
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andy tratch lit a candle
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
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I had the privilege / honor of knowing Pani Darka for over 55 years: the Tratch family and the Elyjiw family 1st got acquainted in the mid-‘60s, in Pittsburgh, PA.
I remember their house being on a hill “out in the country” [or at least it seemed like the country to me, since we lived in a duplex in the “Squirrel Hill” neighborhood of Pizzburg]. They had a field behind their house that we could play in, and on one occasion I recall chasing the neighborhood bully --- Bobby Ross --- up a tree with them.
They would come visit us, too, and I remember on one of my birthdays filling up the tub in our bathroom so that we could play with a boat that I had received as a gift: we put little green army men on the boat and watched in glee as the men would fall into the water.
{Even then, as a 5 -6 year old, Pani Darka struck me as a nice person.}
Unfortunately, my Dad’s teaching job took us to Rochester, NY, in the summer of ’67….
But who should show up on their bikes at our house @ 100 Newcastle Rd. the next summer but the Elyjiws?!
They had moved to Rochester, too, and had bought a house right around the block from us!!!
The years after that were when I truly learned what a benevolent human being Pani Darka was, since I was constantly over at their house @ 374 Dorchester Rd.
Whether it was riding our bikes, launching rockets, flying home-made hot air balloons, playing in their huge basement, helping them weed their lawn, eating at their dinner table, or watching TV shows that I wasn’t allowed to watch at home, Pani Darka was always a presence --- it didn’t matter if she was physically near you, or in the other room, you could always feel the love.
Over the years I’m sure I caused her some grief [Lord knows what she thought of Olesh and I listening to Black Sabbath albums on the “hi-fi” in their dining room], but even through our “rebel years” and into our young adulthood, she was always supportive, understanding, and a stabilizing force.
But as I drifted away into so-called “adulthood”, with all of its responsibilities, unfortunately I saw less of Pani Darka than I should have.
However you would never know that it had been a long time since I had last seen her: any time I did visit/see her there it was --- that lovely smile and bubbly personality that could melt an iceberg.
I feel a piece of herself disappeared when she/we lost Olesh, but truly believe that she is in a happy/better place now with him and with Pan Zenon….
Pa-Pa Pani Darka, you are sorely missed: Vichnaya Pamyiat!
Tsiom Tsiom,
Andriy
P.S. The candle I selected reminded me of all the yummy baked goods Pani Darka used to make, like "pishinger" and 'krymivky"...
P.P.S. The football I tried to add [but couldn't: no doubt "user error"] because after being introduced to it by Olesh, Pani Darka became such a rabid Buffalo Bills fan that her likeness is in the "Bills Mafia" Hall of Fame!
K
Katrusia Dolishna posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Dear Vera, Mapma, Yurko and Petro,
I was saddened to hear about your mama’s unexpected passing. What a blessing that you all had a chance to chat with her before she passed, even if it was virtually, in the case of Petro.
The beautiful video tribute to your mama, created by Vera, brought back many memories of Mama Elyjiw - her warm, welcoming smile and her open-door hospitality. Despite having a houseful of children, there was always room for one, two or three more to sit at the dinner table or spend the night. My fondest memory is of her “малиновий сік”(homemade raspberry juice) Your mama would always bring this liquid gold in a thermal jug to tabir at Novij Sokil (scout camp) on visitor’s day. We would hurry over to the спортова площа (sports field) where our parents parked their cars, and line up for a turn at the tap. If I’m not mistaken, your mama manned the spigot and served this in tiny dixie cups—so everyone could have a sip. A lasting memory to be sure.
May the fond memories you have of your mama sustain you through these sad times. Вічна її пам’ять!
Катруся
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Emily Judd lit a candle
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
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My heart is going out to you all. I remember that Katie made a movie in high school for a class assignment. She interviewed Baba, asking questions about her life and her thoughts on love and relationships. I remember how honest and sincere she was in her answers. I don't remember the details of what she said, but I remember admiring Baba because she seemed assured, content, and wise. I wish I could be there to give hugs, but please know I'm sending love.
-Emily Thon Judd
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Diana Stasiuk Duryea posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Mama Elyjiw was just that - my second mama. I visited my best friend Marta often, traveling from Buffalo to Rochester by Trailways bus and was picked up at the station by Marta and her mother. Right from the start, mama Elyjiw greeted me with a big smile and her very cheerful voice, always making me feel welcome. I quickly became an “adopted” member of the Elyjiw family. Mama Elyjiw cooked huge, delicious dinners for us - which was great as in those days we were always ready to eat - and baked delicious Ukrainian tortes and cookies. Though it is sad to say goodbye, mama Elyjiw was fortunate to have lived a long, fulfilling life with a warm, loving family and friends who thought the world of her. Pa pa mamo Elyjiw!
D
Donna lit a candle
Monday, June 1, 2020
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Dear Marta, Harry, and family,
My deepest condolences on the passing of your mama and dearest family member. The stories Marta has shared, the beautiful slide show, and the television interview, are wonderful tributes to her life. Thank you for sharing her story! Her legacy will live on through all who were blessed to know her. My thoughts, hugs, and prayers are with you, Donna Neu
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Sietia posted a condolence
Monday, June 1, 2020
While I only got to spend time with “Pani Elyjiw”, as I knew her, a few times - whenever I visited my friend Marta and we lived several states apart - I knew that she was a “special” individual from the start. First of all, she raised such great kids! And she was so “cool”, unlike some of my friends’ stodgier mothers. She loved her family, nature, animals (my sister and I got two kittens delivered by her cat), and was so welcoming to all her kids’ friends. And what a cook! The few memories that I have of her have been augmented through the years by stories from Marta, stories that made me think “that is just like her”! She will be missed but never forgotten!
A
Alison (Sunny) Venuti lit a candle
Monday, June 1, 2020
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Dear Marta, Harry, and family,
I am so moved by the slide show and the beautiful music and tribute to your wonderful mom. She was truly a shining light in the world. I always loved seeing her and always thought of how lucky you were to have such a mom. She loved her children and family which is evident in the pictures. I have many fond memories of her talking and laughing and telling stories. Once I read a quote I really liked and wrote it down: "The surest sign of wisdom is constant cheerfulness." This is how I experienced your mother--a cheerful voice, a positive, giving spirit. No doubt her wisdom was shining through when she gracefully let go of this life. Thank you for sharing some of her with me and all of us. I know you took care of her and gave her a reason to be happy and feel loved right up to the very last day. Sending heartfelt love and peace to all of you. Sunny
Jan Glende lit a candle
Sunday, May 31, 2020
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Marta, John & family, we offer sympathy and healing prayers for you all. May loving memories bring you comfort in the coming days! Lots of hugs!
Milt & Jan Glende
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Betsy Christiansen posted a condolence
Sunday, May 31, 2020
Dear Marta and Vera and family,
So sorry to hear about your mom. The pictures are wonderful. She sounds like such a lovely person. Prayers are coming your way.
Peace and blessings,
Betsy Christiansen
Sue Ellen Sherer posted a condolence
Sunday, May 31, 2020
Marta, so sorry to hear about your mom's passing but so glad to hear that she was looking forward to joining those she loved who had passed before her. Praying your heart is comforted in your sorrow. Hugs, Sue Sherer
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Patricia VanKouwenberg posted a condolence
Sunday, May 31, 2020
Dear Vera, Marta, George, and Peter, how entranced I was with the loving and lovely photo history of your mother's journey through life. It "warmed the cockles of my heart" to see each one of you with her through the ages of your lives, too. It must be a joy to you now that you had so many photographs with which to register milestones in your shared stories ( which I am honored to have witnessed in person for a brief time). God bless you all, with my sympathy in the loss of your cherished mother, Pat Cullen VanKouwenberg
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Marta Brewer Posted Jun 8, 2020 at 10:22 AM
Mrs. Vankouwenberg,
I was touched beyond words that you, our ninth grade English teacher, posted on mama's memorial wall. As I am 63 years old myself, my first thought was, "Wow, she is still alive." You were an amazing educator to all the students who had you in Penfield, HS. After all of these years, only a handful of teachers remain in my memory. You have always been one of them. I did not even mind that the highest grade that I ever received from you was a B+ Thank YOU . marta
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Polly Hawkins posted a condolence
Sunday, May 31, 2020
Daria was a lovely and kind lady. I am so glad that I was lucky enough to meet her and get to know her a little.
My thoughts are with her family at this difficult time. She will be missed.
j
jillj posted a condolence
Saturday, May 30, 2020
Dear Marta, Harry, Tim, Katie, Mike, and Family,
We just finished watching Daria's lovely tribute video. What a beautiful woman with such an engaging smile! She is so elegant in every picture, wearing heels to push the stroller! I am sure you all hold some incredibly special memories of her! We are thinking of you during this difficult time and hope those memories ease your sadness.
Love,
Jill and Jerry Trippe
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The family of Daria Elyjiw uploaded a photo
Friday, May 29, 2020
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The family of Daria Elyjiw uploaded a photo
Friday, May 29, 2020
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The family of Daria Elyjiw uploaded a photo
Friday, May 29, 2020
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The family of Daria Elyjiw uploaded a photo
Friday, May 29, 2020
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