Lidia KRAWCHUK

SKRYPUCH, Lidia (née Krawchuk) - June 18, 1927 - February 17, 2008 - It is with great sorrow that the family announces the passing of Lidia Skrypuch, on February 17, 2008 at the Brantford General Hospital. Born in Zolochiw, Ukraine. Only child of Wolodymyr Krawchuk, a magistrate, and Michelina, a school teacher, Lidia studied ballet and pharmacy. World War II engulfed their homeland. In 1944, the family escaped by walking through land mine studded countryside and riding in open boxcars with nothing to eat but a few potatoes they could find in abandoned farmers fields. They narrowly avoided being taken to a concentration camp by bribing a guard. They took refuge in a displaced person's camp in Austria. Lidia took on menial jobs to help make ends meet. While in exile in Austria, she met John and they married in a 1949 and came to Canada shortly after. They lived briefly in Montreal and London, then she and John moved to Brantford in 1954 where John began his medical practice. Lidia managed his office for 41 years. Lidia was an award-winning director and choreographer for the Ukrainian dancers for Brantford's Village Ukrania for eighteen years. She was also a long-time president of the Ukrainian Catholic Women's Auxiliary in Brantford, raising money for the church in a variety of ways, including writing and publishing a cookbook. Pope John Paul II presented Lidia with the Medal of the Holy Cross for her outstanding service to the Ukrainian Catholic Church and the Vatican. She was also presented with a Centennial Citation for meritorious service in the City of Brantford by Mayor Bowen. Lidia was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She was a fabulous cook and a gracious hostess. Her tortes were legendary. She expected the best of everyone and always gave the best of herself. Loving wife of Dr. John Skrypuch. Sadly missed by sons Orest and Roman and their wives Marsha and Lori. Loving baba of Neil, Daniel and Nicole. Dear daughter of the late Wolodymyr and Micheline Krawchuck. She will be missed by her friends and family in Brantford, Toronto, Detroit, Ukraine and Florida. Resting at THORPE BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME AND CHAPEL, 96 West Street Brantford, ON, where friends and family may visit on Tuesday 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Panachyda at 7 p.m. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist, 92 Terrace Hill Street, Brantford. Interment to follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, 288 St. Paul Ave, Brantford, ON. Flowers are appreciated, or donations to the Help Us Help the Children, a project of the Children of Chernobyl Canadian Fund. 2118-A Bloor St. W., Suite 200, Toronto, On, M6S 1M8. Thorpe Brothers 519-759- 2211 www.mem.com. 10993653