Obituary of Olha Laba

Olha "Olga" A. Laba, 102, of Amsterdam, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2017 at E. L. Wilkinson Residential Healthcare Facility. Olha was born in Krakow, Poland, on September 22, 1914 to Ukrainian parents, Teodor Kokorudz and Justyna Farbotnik. She received a teacher's diploma from the Jagellonian University and was an educator in Polish schools in the Carpathians and along the Belarus border, she also taught in Ukraine. In 1949, she came to Amsterdam with her family as a displaced person. Olha worked at various textile factories, including Hanover Manufacturing and Montco; in retirement she was the caregiver for her mother who lived to be almost 102 years old. As a member of the Ukrainian community, Olha dedicated herself to the children of St. Nicholas parish, teaching in the Ukrainian language school and leading the Ukrainian scouting group, Plast, of which she was a member since the 1920's. She was also active in the Parish Sisterhood and the Apostleship of Prayer. Olha never lost her love of the piano and singing, both of which gave her pleasure throughout her life. Olha is survived by her son and daughter, Roman Laba and Lidia Pasamanick, both of Schenectady; one nephew and four nieces; sister-in-law, Julia Kokorudz in Chicago and her Goddaughter, Olya Szyjka of Amsterdam. In 1941, Olha married her husband, Tymotej Laba, who passed away in 1974. She was also predeceased by her infant son, Jurij, in 1943; sister, Irena Ivanonko; her brothers, Wolodymyr and Jaroslaw Kokorudz. The family wishes to thank the staff at E.L. Wilkinson RHF for their care and kindness. The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 24 Pulaski Street, Amsterdam with Fr. Marian Kostyk. A calling hour which relatives and friends are invited to attend will be held one hour prior to the service starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Church. Burial will follow at St. Nicholas Cemetery, Amsterdam. Memorial donations in Olha's name can be made to St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church or to Montgomery Co. Office for the Aging, 135 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Online condolences can be made at www.brbsfuneral.com.