Halina Szczawinsky

KINGSTON……Halina Verhun Szczawinsky passed away peacefully on April 22, 2021 at the age of 95.  She was born in Soviet Kiev in 1925, the daughter of Vasily & Anna Verhun.  She lived there until she was orphaned at 15 and Kiev was under Nazi control.  She was taken as a volunteer to work the farms in Germany where she met her husband, Michael Szczawinsky.  When WWII ended, they did not return to Soviet Ukraine, but made their way to the English Zone and their Displaced Persons Camp, eventually immigrating to Manchester, England where they lived happily for 9 years.  In 1956, with their daughter Marianna, they immigrated to the US with urging from Michaels Aunt, the late Pauline Kwasnick and were sponsored by his cousin, the late Mary Kwasnick of Glasco.  Setting down roots in Kingston, Michael worked his way up to Meat Mgr. for the A&P, and Halina worked her way up to a Head Knitter position at the Kingston Knitting Mills.  They proudly became citizens in 1961 and through hard work, were able to achieve their American dream.  They acquired many good friends throughout their lives who helped them and became their “Foster Family.” They were members of St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Kingston, but also maintained traditional ties to the Ukrainian community through Ukrainian Catholic Churches of St Nicholas, Hudson and Holy Trinity, Kerhonkson and Soyuzivka Ukrainian Resort in Kerhonkson.  Both Halina and her daughter have been proud members of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America for over 25 years using their creative talents to help preserve and share their Ukrainian culture throughout the Hudson Valley. Halina is predeceased by her husband Michael and is survived by her daughter Marianna Crans, her son-in-law Win Crans, two Step Grandchildren and a Step Great Granddaughter, various relatives in Ukraine, and various nieces and nephews through the Kwasnick family.

Her Funeral Service will be held 12 Noon Wednesday at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home, Inc. Cor. Of John & Lafayette Sts., Saugerties.  Friends will be received on Wednesday from 10:00 AM – 12 Noon. She will be laid to rest next to her husband in St Mary’s Cemetery in Saugerties. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to The Salvation Army.  Further obituary information and expressions of condolence may be shared with the family @SeamonWilseyFuneralHome.com

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