Sofia “Baba” Holyk fell asleep with the Lord on Tuesday June 21 with her family at her side. She was a beautiful, loved 92. Sofia was born in Skalat, Zarybynci Ukraine, on September 3, 1923 and immigrated to the United States in 1949.
Sofia was preceded in death by her husband John of Scranton, her mother and father Maria and Peter Baran from Ukraine, her sister Olga Baran from Siberia and her son – in – law Eugene Zdeb of Binghamton, NY
Sofia, John and two of their children Maria and Roman, survived the ordeals of WW II. Her son-in-law Leo, a history buff, encouraged Baba to tell us her fascinating stories of when she was a young girl in the Ukraine and about their long journey to the United States. Sofia, John, Maria and Roman became naturalized citizens in 1957.
Sofia was an avid seamstress, working as a master seamstress most of her adult life. She was also a fabulous cook teaching her children and grandchildren how to make their favorite Ukrainian dishes. And at the spry age of 84 Sofia learned to crochet, making hats, scarfs and baby blankets upon request. Sofia also enjoyed singing during the Liturgy, at family gatherings and she especially liked singing Mnohiya Lita with her granddaughter Kristina at all family celebrations.
Survivors include her four children; Maria Zdeb of Binghamton NY, Roman (Raymond) Holyk his wife Lynda of Port Jervis NY, Olga Nolan, her husband Leo and Peter Holyk ,his wife Joan of Scranton
Nine grandchildren; Markian Zdeb of Manhattan, Tania and Dr. Joseph Carragher of Belleaire Beach Florida, John Mark Holyk and Sara Holyk Boyd RN and husband Andrew all of Arizona, Kristina Nolan, fiancé David Williams and Kelly Nolan all of Scranton, Sgt. Michael Nolan and wife Emine, Germany, Dr. Amanda Holyk of Savannah Georgia and Adam Holyk of Scranton.
Four Greatgrandchildren John Michael and Sofia Holyk, Drew and Brooklyn Boyd all of Phoenix Arizona.
Sofia’s family thanks her pastors Rev Myron Myronyuk, of St Vladimirs Church, Scranton and Very Rev Dr. Ivan Kasczcak, of Holy Trinity Church, Kerhonkson NY for providing spiritual guidance and comfort. Thanks also to the caregivers of Telespond for their compassionate care of Sofia for 13 years. And thanks to her granddaughter Sara Holyk-Boyd RN for taking time away from her family, to give her Baba loving nursing care.
Friends may call 4 to 8 pm on Sunday, June 26th at the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 262 Railroad Ave, West Scranton. The Funeral Divine Liturgy will be Monday June 27th at 9:30am at St Vladimir Church, 430 N. Seventh Avenue, Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Fr. Myron Myronyuk, Pastor, with interment to follow at St Vladimir’s Cemetery, Minooka.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to St Vladimir’s Church Scranton; Holy Trinity Church, Kerhonkson NY; Hospice of the Sacred Heart Scranton; Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, Newburgh NY; Telespond Senior Center, Scranton.
We will miss our Baba. Vichnaya Pamyat
