Obituary of Ann Hania Hrycyk

Ann (Hania) Hrycyk (nee Poliwczak), 74, affectionately known as Hania, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of her family on Monday, January 17th, 2022. She was born in Pforzheim, Germany on November 26, 1947, and emigrated to the US as a child with her parents and younger sister Olya in 1956 from Ingolstadt, Germany and they settled in Syracuse, NY. She graduated from St. John Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Parochial School in 1962, and from Syracuse Central Technical High School in 1966. She majored in English Literature at Syracuse University and graduated in 1970. She received her Masters in Library Science from Syracuse University in 1972. She worked for the longest time as a Reference Librarian in the Onondaga County Public Library System at the library in downtown Syracuse, and then at various library branches throughout Onondaga County. Her last assignment, which she enjoyed very much, was as a Children's Librarian at the Meachem Branch Library. Her career at with OCPL spanned almost 40 years, from 1970 until her retirement in 2007. Hania was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Syracuse and she sang in the church choir for over 30 years. She was also a member of the Apostleship of Prayer. Hania was a very social person and made friends easily, always smiling and full of life – she had a true presence about her. She loved children, music and dancing and these passions came through in her dedication and commitment to her family and also the Ukrainian community in which she lived. She was the lead female vocalist in the Ukrainian band "Chervona Ruta" (later known as "Ruta") that her husband formed in 1972; they entertained thousands of people at countless weddings and festivals up and down the eastern seaboard for over 25 years. She danced with the Ukrainian-American Youth Association's dance ensemble, "Odesa", and later as an adult with the dance ensemble "Volya", where her dance partner was Orest, her husband! She sang in numerous women's choirs with her life-long friends and she loved to entertain. At any given occasion, she would be found with a group of friends singing her beloved Ukrainian songs. Hania was also very active in the "Lesia Ukrainka School of Ukrainian Studies" in Syracuse, which she herself attended and graduated from. Hania returned to the school as a teacher of Ukrainian Geography which she taught for 15 years and was also the school's Director for 12 years. The tradition continues as Hania's first grandchild, Oksana, has recently graduated from the same Ukrainian school. She was also a member and past President of the Women's Organization for the Defense of Four Freedoms of Ukraine, the lead Educational Director at the Ukrainian-American Youth Association (CYM) and a long-time member of the Ukrainian National Home in Syracuse. Hania is predeceased by her parents Ivan and Nadija Poliwcazk. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Orest; her daughter Larissa and son-in-law Jim Dannenberg; three grandchildren whom she adored; Oksana, Kalyna and Maksym Dannenberg; her sister Olya (Steve) Hnatiw; sister-in-law Lesia (Michael) Paraszczak; nephew Michael Jr. and niece Kalyna; nephew Nicholas (Rebecca) Hnatiw, Lexie and Jordan; niece Tania (Richard) Flanagan, Owen, Gavin and Sophie; cousins Olya (Steve) Szylo, Katrusia and Khrystyna. During her lifetime, Hania has had an impact on so many people, and she will always be remembered for her infectious smile, warm demeanor and kindness. Vichnaya Pamiat, May Her Memory Be Eternal. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at Macko Vassallo Funeral Home, 1609 W. Genesee St. from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, with a Panakhyda Service at 6:00pm. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 27, at 10:00am at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church. Hania will be laid to rest in the St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation. Donations collected will be used to create a scholarship fund in Hania's memory. https://ucufoundation.org/donate/