The former Catherine Sylnyk was born in Ukraine on Saturday, July 30, 1921, to the late Anna and John Sylnyk and just reached her 100th birthday.

After coming to the United States, she worked at M. Wile & Co in Buffalo, New York as a seamstress for many years. Catherine took care of all the family's alterations perfectly.  She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and baking with her specialties including "Torty" and French Custard.  She always kept a meticulous home!

Catherine was the beloved wife of late Michael Kocaj, who predeceased her on December 10, 2007.  She was also the sister of the late Mychajlyna Terendi.

A Loving aunt of Tatiana (Mykola) Paslawsky and she is also survived by other nieces and nephews in the USA, Canada, and Ukraine.

The family will be present on Thursday, October 7, 2021, from 5-8 PM at the PIETSZAK FUNERAL HOME, 2400 William Street, near Harlem Rd. where a Panachyda Service will be held on Thursday evening at 7:30 PM and on Friday morning at 10:15 AM followed by a Funeral Liturgy at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, located at Fillmore and Oneida Sts. in Buffalo, New York at 11 AM.

Burial will follow at St. Matthew's Cemetery, West Seneca, New York.

The family appreciates your prayers and concerns during these trying times and would like to thank you for your support and understanding.

Please take a minute to share a picture in our online Photo Album or a favorite memory in our Guest Book here on Catherine's Tribute page.