Theresa Lawryk

Theresa Josephine Kushko

May 30, 1932 (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) -August 10, 2028 (La Palma, California)

Theresa was born on May 30th, 1932 at St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg Canada to Andrew Kushko and Eugenia (Wladyka) Kushko, immigrants from Western Ukraine and Poland (respectively). She was the 2nd youngest of 5 siblings.

Theresa was a hardworking and superior student. She graduated as Valedictorian of Holy Ghost High School Class of 1949 (Part of Holy Ghost Parish -Serving Polish and Ukrainian Parishioners). To help with the family finances she also worked part time as a nanny and server at Eaton’s Department Store.

She had the amazing skill of speaking 3 languages, English, Ukrainian and Polish. She also studied French which was a mandatory requirement in Canadian High Schools.

On July 22nd, 1950 at Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, she married Zachary Lawryk (an immigrant from the Ukraine and steel fitter at Dominion Bridge) in Winnipeg. Over the next 6 years, the brought 3 children into the world, Paul, Mary Ann and Eugene.

During the Summer of 1956, the entire family took a one-way train ticket to Southern California and eventually settled in Bell. A few years later (1961), they all became naturalized United States Citizens.

Theresa and Zachary were good providers, raised their children in a comfortable home and supported them through their high school and college years. Theresa worked as a part time store clerk at JC Penny and Zachary worked as a skilled steel fitter.

She was also an excellent cook, voracious reader and student of the world. She was proud of her Ukrainian and Polish Heritages and enjoyed discussing world events and passing on her ethnic cooking recipes to her friends and relatives.

For many years, Theresa and Zachary were members of the Nativity of Blessed Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Hollywood, Cal and St. Rose of Lima Church in Maywood, Cal.

In 1976, Theresa and Zachary moved to La Palma, where they lived in the same home for 40+ years and entertained many family friends and relatives.

She is survived by children Paul and Mary Ann, grandchildren Zachary and Andrea and great grandchildren Ben, Edith, Henry and Sophia.

Her remains will be placed near her husband, Zachary, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Forest Lawn Memorial Park 4471 Lincoln, Ave. Cypress, CA 90603 888-204-3131