Mrs. Kateryna Gellner nee Kijak

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beautiful and beloved matriarch, Kateryna Gellner (Kijak), on Saturday January 21^st, 2023, at the impressive age of 98.

Born March 24^th, 1924, in the small rural village of Odrechova, Lemkivshchyna, she, unfortunately, had to overcome many difficult hardships at a young age, eventually emigrating alone to Montreal.  Here she found comfort in her faith, and in her new Ukrainian community, proudly volunteering as a member of the Ukrainian Woman’s League for many years.

It is here in Montreal that she met the love of her life, Ostap Gellner, both singing in the church choir. She often laughed at how she effortlessly turned the head of the self-proclaimed bachelor and made a family man out of him. Married for 60 years, together they made a loving home for their 3 children, Sonia (Sal), Zenon (Olesia), and Oles (Amanda); their 6 grandchildren Melanie (Christian), Matthew (Caroline), Nicholas (Sarah), Alexander, Stephen, and Kerrin (Matt); and later, their three great-grandchildren, Nathan, Kaitlin, and Lydia.

Over the years, summers were happily spent at Werchowyna.  Kateryna (Babchia) would be seen daily walking the country roads, towards the chapel, where she proudly and lovingly tended the flowers and the surrounding grounds, or by the lake bringing treats to the children.  Like all Ukrainian Babas, she showed her love best with homemade goodies, not allowing anyone to leave her table hungry. She was known for her apple cake, almond biscotti, and of course, delicious pyrohy. The evenings were spent around the kitchen table playing Canasta, everyone’s goal to be able to beat her at her favourite game.

With a competitive streak and a wicked sense of humour, she had a light that shined from her soul, lighting her eyes and her infectious smile. She was a treasure that we were privileged to have had in our lives for so long, and yet not long enough. We can only hope to emulate her strength, her resilience, and her love of life, as she joins her beloved Ostap, both now watching over us.

Please join us in celebrating her life. Visitation at Alfred Dallaire Memoria 3254 Bellechasse, Montreal, QC H1X 1H8 on Sunday, January 29th, 2023 from 11:00am to 1:30pm. Followed by Mass at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 6175 - 10th Avenue, Montreal, QC H1Y 2H5 at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to Canada-Ukraine Foundation (Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine) at www.cufoundation.ca or a charity of your choice.

Internment to be determined at a later date.