THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM (09/09/01)

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

Chicago community bids final farewell to Stephen Kuropas, longtime activist

by Anna Chopek

CHICAGO - Stephen Kuropas, a resident of Chicago since 1927, a longtime, distinguished member, former auditor and vice-president of the Ukrainian National Association, was laid to rest on August 16.

The large Muzyka Funeral Home located in the Ukrainian Village of Chicago was filled to capacity for the panakhyda conducted by Bishop Innocent Lotocky and several clergy. Family, friends and members of the UNA, Organization for the Rebirth of Ukraine (ODVU) and the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) were in attendance.

Ukrainian eulogies were given by Mykola Yashko representing ODVU, and Dr. Ivan Leseiko, representing OUN, and an English eulogy was delivered by Judge Anna Chopek representing the UNA. Everyone joined in the singing of "Vichnaya Pamyat."

The funeral liturgy was recited and sung by Bishop Lotocky, with the Rev. Bohdan Nalysnyk, the Rev. Pavlo Hayda, the Rev. Volodymyr Hudzan and the Rev. Mykhailo Kuzma in the beautiful St. Nicholas Cathedral in Chicago.

Interment was at the Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery in Chicago, where Mr. Kuropas was laid to rest beside his wife, Antoinette. Present were his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many friends.

The "tryzna" (memorial repast) was held at a popular restaurant, Victoria's, where many stories were shared about Mr. Kuropas' good deeds and the humorous stories he liked to tell.

Stephen Kuropas was nearly 101 years old when he died. He loved his country, Ukraine, and devoted all his life in working for the good of the Ukrainian people both here and abroad. He will be sorely missed. Vichna Yomu pamiat!

Aliquippa Branch 120 awards scholarships to five students

by Eli Matiash

ALIQUIPPA, Pa. - The Aliquippa Ukrainian Club, St. Nicholas Branch 120 of the Ukrainian National Association, recently awarded five scholarships at its first annual scholarship dinner on Sunday, August 5.

Scholarship recipients were:

Renee Campbell, the daughter of Gerald and Sharon Campbell, who will attend Robert Morris College to major in media communication;
Christopher Holland, the son of Dana and Joanne Holland, who is majoring in theater and design at the University of Kentucky;
Michael Matiash, son of Peter and Suzanne Matiash, who is majoring in education and history at the University of Wisconsin, La Cross;
Valerie Refice, daughter of Mario and Linda Refice, who will attend Edinboro University to major in computer science; and
Melissa Reft, daughter of John and Nancy Reft, who will attend the University of Pittsburgh to major in business.

Young UNA'ers

Madeline C. Ocel, daughter of Scott and Tracy Ocel, is a new member of UNA Branch 120 of Aliquippa, Pa. She was enrolled by her grandparents Peter and Suzanne Matiash and her great-grandparents Eli and Ann Matiash.
Brandon Randall Walls, 2, son of Maria Rudnyk Walls and William Walls of Monrovia, Calif., is a new member of UNA Branch 257. He was enrolled by his grandparents Augustin J. and Romana O. Rudnyk.

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