Stella Wladyko (1924-2021)
Stella Wladyko passed away peacefully at her home in Princess Court on April 9, 2021.
Stella was born on May 25, 1924 in the Ukraine. During WWII Stella was taken from her family and
became a civilian prisoner of war working in a labour camp. After the war, she immigrated to Canada in
1950 with two small children to reunite with her husband.
Stella is survived by her children Julie Hall (Gordon); Edd Wladyko (Karen); George Wladyko (Joann);
Dave Wladyko (Marlene) and Mary Heaver. Nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, six great great
grandchildren and many relatives living in the Ukraine.
She is predeceased by her parents, two brothers, one sister, her husband, son-in-law and nephew.
Stella worked for many years in Housekeeping at the Dryden District General Hospital.
“Granny” was happiest surrounded by her children and grandchildren, in her beautiful garden filled with
flowers and vegetables that took up the whole back yard, and on excursions to the forest to pick
blueberries and mushrooms. Our understanding of edible mushrooms comes from her teachings.
For so long she was a contributor to the Dryden Ukrainian Society preparing and cooking for many of
their events and embroidering blouses for the Ukrainian dancers.
Stella loved to crochet, embroider and knit. Watching her use her spinning wheel was fascinating. Many
socks were knit from the wool she spun.
She did not forget her roots in the Ukraine, sending many parcels of clothing to them and bringing her
family here for visits. She also guided her children and grandchildren on visits to the Ukraine keeping the
family connected.
Stella was known by many for her excellent Ukrainian cookery. Especially her pierogis (Pyrohy), which
many bought from her over the years. You never left her house hungry!
An Easter would not go by without us gathering at Granny’s to make Easter bread (Paska). This tradition
lives on.
She was a caring, kind and gentle lady with a wonderful sense of humour and so dearly loved.
As per Stella’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life will be held by family at a
later date.
In honour of Stella’s life, when it becomes possible her wishes would be, that you take an elderly person
out for a meal or activity, volunteer some time with the elderly or plant something in the earth to share
with others.
