It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Tanya Maria Sumka, on October 30th, 2020 at 49 years old. Tanya is survived by her loving children, Victor and Ivanna Sumka, and husband Taras Sumka. She is predeceased by her brother Ivan Serediak, father, Victor Serediak, and her mother, Helen Serediak.
Tanya was born in April of 1971 in Edmonton, AB. She completed her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Alberta, majoring in Eastern European Studies and Political Science. Tanya was an avid lover of Ukrainian culture which was demonstrated through her commitment to Ukrainian dance and folk music. She taught Ukrainian dance all over Alberta, and was a proud member of the Volya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. Tanya loved Ukrainian art, which is evident in the proud displays of folk art in her home, including a massive version of “A Letter to the Sultan” that she was so proud of. Another of Tanya’s passions was agriculture, and she spoke fondly of the many hours spent driving the combine and farming with her father since she was a young girl. She was an old soul who loved to indulge in the wholesome art of pickling, making sour kapusta and leaves for holubtsi, perohy, and nachynka, which she learned from her mother, Helen. She also loved to make sure that you were fed with all of these delicacies amongst a group of friends. This was important to her, and even more important to pass on these traditions to her children.
Tanya’s biggest pride and joy were her gifts from God, namely Victor and Ivanna. She was an extremely devoted mother who ensured that each of their unique needs were met, academically, socially and spiritually. She lived for her children, and her sole purpose in life was to support and love them, so they could develop into the best people they could be.
The Sumka family would like to thank the entire world class staff of the Mazankowski Heart Institute, for all their dedication, care, genuine concern and efforts to restore Tanya’s quality of life. A special thank you goes out to Dr. Holger Buchholz. She had a unique and spirited relationship with “the German” (as Tanya lovingly called him), and she was forever thankful for his God-gifted wisdom that gave her life.
Prayers will be on Monday, November 9th, 2020 at 7:00 pm at St. John’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church with Reverend Cornell Zubritsky officiating. The funeral will be on November 10th, at 10am at the St. John’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Both events are by invite only. Both the prayers and funeral will be livestreamed on St. John’s Cathedral’s Youtube page at “UO Cathedral of St. John the Baptist – Edmonton”. The link will also be posted on St. John’s Cathedral Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, an educational trust fund has been set up for Victor and Ivanna Sumka. To donate, please go to: gf.me/u/y676kz or search out “Sumka” on gofundme.com
Vichnaya Pamyat’ – Memory Her Memory Be Eternal
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Tanya Sumka 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta