Victoria Klos

Victoria Klos

Born in Tighina, Bessarabia (Romania) June 9, 1931; passed away April 26, 2013 in Bellevue WA. The only child of teacher/author Lydia Vivcharenko and school superintendent Gheorghe Georgescu, her secondary schooling at the Lyceum Principessa Ileana was interrupted by the Red Army occupation of her family home. Her family's escape in 1944 led them to a displaced persons' camp in Bavaria. She was enrolled in the Institut Der Englischen Fraulein in Plattling, and was graduated from Ukrainian High School at Neumarkt in 1949. Shortly thereafter, she married a Ukrainian-born refugee, Dr. Theodozij Korduba. After several years in New York City, the couple moved to Minneapolis. Dr. Korduba's untimely death in 1959 left Victoria a widow with two young daughters, Christina and Marta.

Victoria enrolled in the College of Medical Technology in Minneapolis from which she was graduated in 1963. She remarried and had two sons, Julian and Petro, with her second husband, Wolodymyr Klos. The family moved to Seattle. In addition to rearing four children, she worked as a medical technologist at Ballard Hospital and Veterans Administration Hospital. Faith in God and church life were fundamental to her. Throughout the years she attended Assumption Church in Seattle, St. Luke's in Shoreline, and Holy Rosary in Edmonds. She was also an active member of Our Lady of Zarvanytsia Ukrainian Catholic Mission Parish in Seattle.

Victoria was grateful to America, which had given her family refuge from the brutality of communism. Her patriotism was mobilized during the US flag-burning demonstrations of the 60's, inspiring her to take an active role in state and local politics. While proud to be an American, Victoria continued to feel a deep connection to her Eastern European roots. An active member of the Ukrainian American Club of Washington, and the Ukrainian National Women's League of America, she was particularly sensitive to the needs of new immigrants, offering her support as they adjusted to life in America.

Her trademark hospitality earned her the nickname of "Mama Klos" from generations of guests who cherished her warmth and sense of humor. An unabashed animal lover, her generosity extended to several generations of chihuahuas.

Victoria's refined sense of aesthetics was manifested in the lush gardens she nurtured, her luminescent watercolors, intricate embroideries and Ukrainian Easter eggs "pysanky", knitted garments, and masterfully garnished dishes. Possessing an elegant sense of style; she loved fashion and folk art.

Victoria was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her children Christina Spencer (Brad Spencer), Marta Korduba (Richard Ellings), Julian Klos (Kseniya), Petro Klos (Daria), grandchildren Anamika (Ryan), Alexander (Donna), Katherine, John (Margaret), Julia, Ruric, Victoria, Peter, and Orest, and great-grandchildren Jadyn, Braden

and Tyler.

A Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, May 1, 11:00AM; Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 630 7th Avenue N, Edmonds, WA 98020. Burial will follow at Holyrood Cemetery, Shoreline. Remembrances may be made to Catholic Relief Services, Ukrainian Catholic Education Fund, or The Humane Society. Please sign an on-line

memorial at washelli.com.