Zembrzycki, Olga (née Zyma)

It is with profound grief that we announce the unexpected passing of Olga Zembrzycki (née Zyma) on December 11, 2024, in her 97^th year.

Daughter of the late Peter and Annie (née Sydor) Zyma, she was also predeceased by all of her siblings, Barbara (Tony Kruk), Mike, Steve (Georgette), and Peter (Lyna), her husband, Stefan, and her son, Edward (Karen). Olga kept these people close, in spirit and through story, until she died.

She leaves behind her firstborn, Daniel, his wife, Gail, her grandchildren, Stacey (Rob), Andrew (Anna), Nickolas, and Darcy, and her great grandchildren, Anella, Amileah, Liliya, Mischa, and Beckett. She will also be missed by her nieces and nephew: Aveleigh Quade, Wendy (Gabe) Manner, Nadine (Henry) Janecek, and Barry Zyma. She loved her family deeply, and valued the special relationships she sustained with each one of you.

Olga was born in a small home on Montague Street, in the heart of the Donovan, on February 21, 1927. She grew up in this neighbourhood, and the rich, multicultural community that embraced her as a youth was central to her identity as a “Donovan girl.” As formative members of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Olga’s parents also instilled in her a deep commitment to religion, as well as Ukrainian heritage, culture, and language. This upbringing was central to her long-standing voluntarism with the St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League and, later, the community outreach she did through regular visits to sick and elderly parish members. There is no doubt that these experiences shaped her into the cherished and devoted Baba she became.

Olga was, at heart, a prolific storyteller. She delighted in sharing her memories about the history of Sudbury, its Ukrainian community, and the people she collected throughout her life. She loved remembering her youth in particular. The dances she attended at all of the city’s ethnic halls, and the late night gatherings that followed with her girlfriends at Harry’s Lunch were among her favourite tales. These stories served as gentle reminders to her grandchildren, emphasizing the need to slow down and embrace the magic of young adulthood. Downtown Sudbury was also dear to her. She spent many a day rummaging through the sales racks at Eaton’s, fussing with the tellers at the Toronto Dominion Bank, picking up groceries at Food City, and running into old friends in the shopping centre, nearly always with her grandchildren in tow. She came alive when socializing in these spaces and always had a spot at her kitchen table for those who dropped by to catch up and reminisce. She was at her very best when caring for people, which was often demonstrated through her cooking. Her perogies, cabbage rolls (which were the best!), and preserves were devoured by family, friends, and strangers alike. Playing an active role in raising her grandchildren and great grandchildren meant that she had ample opportunities for storytelling and recipe sharing. We will all continue to honour the tastes, sounds, smells, and stories that filled Baba’s kitchen with love.

Olga was generous with her time and energy, and she held the community, which sustained her on “Marymount Hill” after her husband’s passing, close. Our family thanks all of her friends and neighbours, many of whom became extended family members, for their help and care, especially throughout the pandemic. You all ensured that she could stay in her beloved home as long as she did.

Olga was fiercely independent, remaining in her home until just last year. While she found the transition to Pioneer Manor difficult, she was always thankful, as are we, for the exceptional care she received here. Not surprisingly, she continued to collect people in this place too, sharing the stories of her life with those willing to listen.

There was never going to be enough time with Olga, but we acknowledge how grateful we were to have had the many healthy years we did. Her feisty spirit, along with her colourful stories, will continue to be a force within all of our hearts.

Donations to any organization that makes Sudbury a better city in which to live would be appreciated. As Olga demonstrated throughout her life, it is these places and their devoted volunteers that make community possible. As were Olga’s wishes, a private burial will take place at the Civic Memorial Cemetery, followed by a private Celebration of her Life.