My Baba was born in western Ukraine in 1911 into what would become a family of nine brothers and sisters. She is the last surviving member of the generation that formed our entire family. She grew up on a farm, became a city girl, lived though two world wars, a famine, and was in a German labor camp throughout World War II. In 1949 she and her family immigrated to the United States to spend three years in New York City, where she cleaned offices in high rises on the night shift. She adjusted to small town life with a move to Dunkirk, NY and was employed by Kraft Foods for 16 years, where she maintained her staunch work ethic. This also gave her the ability to maintain some financial independence which was very important to her at a time when women were to stay home, cook, clean, and raise children. Well of course, she did that too. Even though she was fluent in two other languages when she immigrated, and entered the American work force, she knew only a few English phrases. Over the years, she sewed, painted, worked in her garden, cooked great Ukrainian dishes, played guitar, sang, laughed and found joy in all she did. But beyond all that, we have always been astonished by her unbelievable positive outlook on life. Nothing ever unnerved or intimidated her. We are so lucky to have celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday and are blessed by her love.
My favorite quote of the day was when we asked her how she feels about death. Her response was:
"I have no intention of dying. It's a stupid idea."
Sounds good to me Baba.
Thank you so much to everyone who called, sent cards, flowers, and lovely messages. She also thanks you from the bottom of her heart and she said she couldn't believe that everyone remembered "little ol Baba."
Who could forget? :)
