Ann Wasylychyn

YOUNGSTOWN - Ann Wasylychyn, 90, passed away Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, at Hospice House, surrounded by her loved ones.

Ann was born June 9, 1927, a daughter of the late Michael and Mary Litwin Soroka, and was a lifelong area resident.

She attended Chaney High School and was a homemaker who also worked for 27 years for the Youngstown City Schools as the head baker on the cafeteria staff at Volney Rogers and in the centralized kitchen. Ann and her husband, Alex, spent many of their retirement years as volunteers delivering “Meals on Wheels.”

She was a member of St. Brendan Church in Youngstown, but her most beloved place of worship was at the Shrine of Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted on South Belle Vista Avenue.

Family and friends were the joy of Ann’s life. She embraced life and saw the beauty and goodness in people, and in the world. She always had a sweet smile and kind word for everyone, and up until her physical health no longer allowed her to, she never missed sending birthday cards to a list of loved ones that nearly filled each day of the calendar year.

Ann loved to travel, especially to spend time with her children and grandchildren in California. Interacting with children always brought her great joy. She herself was a child at heart, having an appreciation for the simple things in life. Within the legacy which she left her family was her example of a loving, devoted spouse, a warm and thoughtful heart, and a sense of gratitude and wonder for the gift of life.

Ann is survived by the love of her life, her husband of nearly 70 years, Alex Wasylychyn; her daughter, Alexis (Pete) Tsikouris of Campbell; her sons, Allen (Phyllis) Wasylychyn of Lake Milton and Alexander (Dede) Wasylychyn of Prunedale, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Melanie (Rev. Joseph) DiStefano, Rev. Demetrios (Shelly) Tsikouris, Alexander (Anna) Tsikouris, Alan Michael (Jaime) Wasylychyn, Heather (Fil) Silva, Lisa (Dan) Ackerman, and Rachel (Joseph) Pack; 11 blessed great-grandchildren; and many caring relatives and friends.

Ann was preceded in death by two sisters, Ethel Hnatow and Julia Helon.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 11, at St Brendan Church, 2800 Oakwood Ave., Youngstown, where a Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 1 p.m.    

Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

Arrangements were entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

Ann’s family would like to express its deep gratitude to the family’s doctor, Dr. Kathy Nelson, and her nurse Mary, for the kindness and loving care provided.