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Vera Relkin Obituary
Vera (Kuscenko) Relkin, 86, of Green Hills, passed away peacefully after a brief struggle with cancer on December 17, 2017.
She was born on August 11, 1931, in St. Johnsville, N.Y., to Katarina (Zawojski) and Wasyl Kuscenko and was the step-daughter of Anna Dobriansky.
She married the love of her life, Harold Relkin, on August 12, 1961. He died on August 29, 2009.
Vera grew up in Jersey City, N.J., and moved to New York City where she worked as a model, seamstress and for Radio Liberty. She lived in Scotch Plains, N.J., and worked for the Union County Parks Dept., before moving to the Heritage in 2011.
Surviving is a son, Rustin, and daughter-in-law, Megann of Knauers, Pa. She was the beloved Baba for Matthew, Casey, Jenna and Peter.
Vera loved spending time with family and friends, swimming and celebrating her Ukrainian Heritage.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2017, at 12:00 noon at the Heritage of Green Hills, 200 Tranquility Lane, Reading PA, 19607.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society, 498 Bellevue Avenue, Reading, PA 19605.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Giles & Yeckley Funeral Home and Crematorium, Inc. of Mohnton. To offer the family on line condolences, please visit us at www.gilesandyeckley.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Vera Relkin
3 Entries
Vera Kiceniuk Owen
January 5, 2018
I met Vera when I was a teenager and since I am about to turn 81 you can say this was a life-long friendship. Our bond was our Ukrainian heritage which we both loved. We performed Ukrainian folk dances, sang Ukrainian songs, went to Ukrainian conferences and sports acivities - especially skiing. We enjoyed many ski trips. When she moved to Scotch Plains in NJ - a neighboring town, she and Hal and I and my husband often socialized often with other Ukrainian friends. When Hal passed on, Vera and I would go out for a late breakfast and an early movie. When she moved to Pa. I really missed her. But I was also happy for her since she was near her son and his family.
I spoke with Vera a couple of times during the last weeks of her life. I know she was very ill but I had hoped to visit with her one more time. The end came quickly - a blessing for her but a loss for the rest of us. I will miss her more than I can say.
Vichnya Pamyaht, BFF, Vichnya Pamyaht.
Regina Hill
December 30, 2017
I met Vera Relkin when I helped to take care of her. She had an amazing outlook on life and I quickly became rather fond of her. She had a sweet tooth that could easily change her desire from wanting nothing to Vera saying, (i guess it wouldn't hurt to eat some of that hot fudge sundae.) I was blessed to have known her for a short time but I can guarantee I will never forget Vera. Rustin and Megann I am proud to have known you two and your family. Vera was a fantastic mother/mother-in-law. She cherrished you two and your four children more than anything else. I apologize that I could not come today. I was in the hospital for an extended stay. God bless you all
Rosa Silva
December 27, 2017
I had the pleasure of knowing Vera while I took care of her. Vera was a very pleasant lady she would always conversate with me and she taught me how to make egg drop soup. From the bottom of my heart I wish she's Resting In Peace. My condolences to her son and family. Heaven gained an angel ❤I will always remember Vera
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