ZWARYCZ, Maria Zwarycz  -  It is with great sadness that the family of Maria Zwarycz (nee Genovese) announce her passing on Monday July 29, 2024.

Maria passed peacefully after a short hospital stay surrounded by her devoted family. She is predeceased by her husband of 55 years John.

Loving mother of Maria (Terry) and Patty (Bill).

Treasured Nonna to Marika (Kolton), Luke (Natalie), Rachel and Jacob. Great Grandmother to Benjamin.

Maria was born in Aci Sant’Antonio, Sicily on February 3, 1927.

She shared many stories about her experiences during the war that would never be found in history books.

Maria married John by proxy on October 29, 1955. John went ahead and settled in Oshawa, Ontario at first residing with the Bernacki’s on Malaga Road until he was able to start building their home right up the street. Maria joined him in 1957 taking a ship, the Vulcania from Palermo, Sicily to Halifax, Nova Scotia then a train to Toronto Ontario.

Having left her tiny village for a growing city in Canada was quite brave for a 30-year-old. The new people she met on Malaga Road became life long friends.

I’m sure she is chatting with Anna and Helen right now. She also maintained a lifelong friendship with Nella Stanko. They enjoyed trips together to Winnipeg enjoying their daily espresso.
Maria became known for her incredible sewing skills. Brides would book her a year in advance .

The wedding party including the bride would always have beautiful perfectly fitted dresses that
everyone admired. Gardening was a passion that Maria enjoyed. A large garden filled with tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, beans and other veggies that could be preserved. The traditional making of the sauce under the watchful eye of Maria became an annual event passed down to her daughters.

As a Nonna, she was a source of endless love and encouragement. Time was spent passing on the traditions of
making pasta, pizza, pierogi and her incredible lasagna.

Her greatest joy was watching her grandchildren and playing endless rounds of Mama Vengo.

She will be missed immensely by everyone who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024 from 3-6 p.m. with Panachyda at 5 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home (124 King St. E., Oshawa). A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. George the Great Martyr Ukrainian Catholic Church. Interment St. Wolodymyr & St. Olha Cemetery.

Refreshments to follow at ARMSTRONG FUNERAL HOME .

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation Canada. Online condolences may be shared at www.armstrongfh.ca .