Olga Zulyniak (nee Pillipow) passed away into eternal rest October 21, 2016 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Melville at the age of 91 years. She was born June 13, 1925 in the Bernadine District to Anne Chonko and Wasyl Pillipow, one of eleven children. While attending school, she worked hard on the farm helping her parents with whatever she could do and helped with the raising of her younger siblings.
Olga was united in marriage to Mike Zulyniak in 1946 and farmed in the Plainsview District. They were blessed with 62 years of marriage and raised twelve children, Sharon, Shirley, Richard, Ronnie, Barry, Glen, Gerald, Clifford, twins Donnie and Donna, Debbie and Cheryle.
There were difficult times but “oh so many” good times. It only took little things in life to make Olga happy and grateful. Great friends and neighbours always coming and going as the door was always open and coffee and lunch were always on the table, many games of cards and sometimes a dance or two on the kitchen floor with good old Ukrainian music playing.
Olga was such a good homemaker, very particular in everything she did, from cleaning the house to the way her ironing had to be done to what kind of meal she cooked. And let’s not forget about her bread, cinnamon buns and cookies. She always had extras for whoever was visiting that day.
Olga was a kind and generous lady, very strong and “yes” stubborn at times and held her ground when needed. She always had praises for people and very seldom had anything bad to say about anyone. She believed in sharing and lending a hand to whoever needed it.
Olga enjoyed growing large gardens and flowers, and when spare time permitted, she would sit and crochet or watch the odd Toronto hockey game.
Her best times in life were when families came home to visit or stay for the weekend. When grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, she rejoiced more than ever, always making time for them and letting them know how special they were. Her faith was also important to her, going to church on Sundays, kneeling by her bed before the day started, praying before the holy picture on the wall or looking through several prayer books and saying special prayers for everyone.
Mike and Olga retired into Melville where they lived in their home for several years. After Mike passed away eight years ago, Olga remained in her home until she moved into the Melville nursing home, where she lived for the past six months until her passing.
Olga was predeceased by her parents, Wasyl and Anne Pillipow, in-laws Frank and Ann Zulyniak, husband Mike, son Clifford, granddaughter Tracy, brother Mike, sisters Elsie, Sally and Minnie, brothers-in-law Frank, John, Tony, Jack, Bill and Merve and sisters-in-law Tannie, Ann and Mary. Left to cherish her memories and to celebrate her life are her children, sons Richard (Verlee), Ronnie (Sharon), Barry, Glen (Ellie), Gerald (Delilah) and Donnie; daughters Sharon (Mervon), Shirley (Glen), Donna (Terry), Debbie (Dennis) and Cheryle (Brian); and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who she loved very much. Olga is also survived by her brother Eugene (Ann), sisters Katie, Sylvia (Ernie), Grace (Doug), Bonnie (Bill) and Diane (Lawrence); brother-in-law Andy and sisters-in-law Elsie and Rosie; special to her, Cheryl and Scott.
. . . If flowers grow in heaven, Lord, then pick a bunch for us.
Then place them in our mother’s arms and tell her they’re from us.
Tell her that we love and miss her, and when she turns to smile,
Place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for awhile . . . (your family)
Our mom would have liked to thank Dr. Eshawesh, the staff at the nursing home in Melville (Railway Crossing) and staff at the Melville hospital in ICU and on the ward. A big thank you to Darryl Leshko for always being there for mom throughout the years. She truly thought the world of you.