Maria Bondarenko (Stambula), 88, passed away peacefully at her home in Hardyston, NJ after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Maria was born on September 14, 1932 in Mariupol, Ukraine and immigrated to the United States in 1950. In New Jersey, Maria reconnected with the love of her life, Wasyl, and started a family.
Maria better known as “baba” lived for her family and grandchildren. Maria was not content unless one of her seven grandchildren were over swimming in her pool and eating one of her classic dishes. Maria had a knack for gardening and maintained a pristine yard full of flowers and a garden full of vegetables. She also enjoyed making pierogis every Thursday at her Ukrainian Orthodox Church and getting together with her friends. Maria will be remembered for her small stature but larger than life smile and warm heart.
Maria is predeceased by her loving husband, Wasyl as well as her son George Bondarenko. She is survived by her beloved children Tina Sili and husband Dean, Irene Upritchard and husband Doug and her daughter in law Patricia Bondarenko; seven grandchildren, Kristen Bondarenko, Jaclyn Karas and husband Steve, Kelly Harclerode and husband Rob, Kathryn Bondarenko, Nicholas Sili, Alexander Sili, Christopher Sili as well as three great grandchildren, Harrison , Juliette and Hailey . All will miss her dearly.
A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 11 AM at Holy Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 635 Broad Street, Clifton with interment to follow at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Totowa.
www.pizzifuneralhome.com
My heart and sincere condolences go out to you all. Baba sure was one of a kind. 🙂 I only knew her briefly, but she left a beautiful mark on my thoughts of her, and who she was. RIP beautiful. This is a picture of her I hadn’t seen before. She was stunning, inside and out. I love you guys! Melissa
Thank you❤