Anna Shyshko

ANNA SHYSHKO Peacefully on Friday, November 6, 2009 after a valiant and courageous battle with cancer surrounded by her loving family, Anna, 'Baba' Shyshko passed into the loving arms of our Lord. Cherished wife of Stefan for 62 years. Loving mother to Paula (Bohdan), Raissa (Andrei), Gregory (Lesia) and predeceased by infant Katherine. Adored Baba of Steven, Kristine (Stratos), Basil (Melissa), Larissa, Andrew, Alana and Melanie. 'Bunya' of Isabella, Katrina, Lilia and Sophie. She also leaves behind her brother Alexander and relatives in Ukraine. Born in the village of Dubowytschi, Ukraine in 1925, she grew up a resourceful child, having lost her mother at a young age. She was a survivor of the Soviet imposed Holodomor (famine) in Ukraine and experienced the indignity of forced labour by the Nazi regime during WWII. She found refuge with Stefan and their young family in Canada where she raised and nurtured them. Her love of company and laughter and sense of fairness exemplified her character and helped shape the lives of all who knew her. You would never go hungry with Baba around. She will be sadly missed yet lovingly remembered. The family thanks Drs. Davidson, Clement and Huggins, RN Jeffrey Johnston for his daily visits and care, and the staff at St. Joseph's Health Centre, Oncology Unit. Heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Dorothy Ley Hospice for their angelic care and support in her final days, facilitating a dignified passing. We also thank Father Makarenko for his spiritual support. Friends will be received at Ridley Funeral Home, 3080 Lake Shore Blvd. W., (between Islington and Kipling Aves., at 14th St.) on Monday from 7-9 p.m. with Panakhyda at 7:30. The Orthodox Rite of Funeral will take place at St. Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 3338 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Etobicoke, on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 10 a.m. Interment St. Volodymyr Cemetery, Oakville. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Dorothy Ley Hospice would be appreciated.