Obituary for Elizabeth Sdao
Elizabeth Sdao
May 23, 1927 - October 1, 2022
On October 1, Elizabeth "Liza" Sdao passed away peacefully at age 95 at TBRHSC with her children by her side.
Elzbieta Maksimovna Zubariewicz was born on May 23, 1927 in Bykhov, Soviet Byelorussia.
Liza grew up to become a determined and fiercely loyal young woman. The hardships she endured in a World War II German work camp and in the immediate years following shaped the woman and mother she became.
Liza often described herself as a survivor. As a refugee after the war, she chose to leave Germany with a young daughter to come to Port Arthur in 1950 even though her parents chose to return home to Bykhov. They were never to see each other again.
Liza's life changed for the better when she married a young Italian immigrant, Tony Sdao. Liza and Tony had four children. They both lived out their lives at "187", the house they built together.
Having little education herself, Liza insisted her children focus on their studies and she was extremely proud of their university successes. She was a hockey and soccer mom before there were minivans. She was the ultimate cheerleader for her children and seldom missed an event.
In 1983, Liza's life took another dramatic turn when Tony passed away. With son Rick's support, she took on the challenge of managing the Sdao family properties. At the same time, she received the heartfelt familial embrace of Tony's cousins that lasted the rest of her life.
Liza began to travel. She loved her beach holidays in Venezuela and Mexico and cherished her time in Italy, especially her visit to Grimaldi, Tony's hometown. But she most enjoyed visiting her children in their many homes in the United States, Thailand and Canada.
Liza took great pleasure in attending her grandchildren's baptisms, first communions, graduations and games. She travelled to the wedding of her grandson Michael in Colorado in 2017. And yes, she graced the dance floor at age 90!
Liza's ultimate wish was to live out her life at her beloved "187". The family is grateful for the support of live-in caregiver Derla Bayuca, the dedication shown by her neighbours the Mirabelli and Hettrick families, and the resources of the LHIN that all allowed Liza to remain in her home.
Liza's last eight days were spent at TBRHSC. The family sincerely thanks all the clinical and support staff at Emergency and 3A who cared for our mother in any capacity. You all contributed to her peaceful passing and we are forever grateful.
The family gives thanks to Father Luigi of St. Anthony's Church for his visits to our mother at home and in hospital.
Liza is now reunited with her parents Maksim and Pasha Zubariewicz whom she so keenly missed and was eager to see, sister Anna, husband Tony, beloved grandson Paradon (Don) Munro and dearest friends Natalia Tomaszewski, "Tetya" Nila, and Anna Ruberto.
Liza is survived by her children Julie (Wierzbicki) Munro, Rosemarie (Ruth), Tony (Jan), Rick (Julie), and Larry (Gloria); and her grandchildren Michael (Sarah) and Jonathan, Troy and Amanda, and Heather and Christopher. She is also survived by her great-granddaughters Sloane and Gia (Michael's and Sarah's children).
"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine..."
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 when family and friends will gather in St. Anthony’s R.C. Church for the Funeral Mass beginning at 10:00 a.m. celebrated by Rev. Luigi Filippini. Those unable to attend the Mass in person may do via livestream at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr5X5uLF9qc. The inurnment will follow in St. Andrew’s Cemetery. Memorial visitation for friends will be held on Tuesday from 5:30-7 p.m. with the Vigil Service beginning at 7 p.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street.
The family respectfully requests all those in attendance to wear masks.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Elizabeth’s memory to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR https://giving.unhcr.org/en/general/ or the Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal https://www.redcross.ca/donate/appeal/donate-to-the-ukraine-humanitarian-crisis-appeal would be gratefully appreciated. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
May 23, 1927 - October 1, 2022
On October 1, Elizabeth "Liza" Sdao passed away peacefully at age 95 at TBRHSC with her children by her side.
Elzbieta Maksimovna Zubariewicz was born on May 23, 1927 in Bykhov, Soviet Byelorussia.
Liza grew up to become a determined and fiercely loyal young woman. The hardships she endured in a World War II German work camp and in the immediate years following shaped the woman and mother she became.
Liza often described herself as a survivor. As a refugee after the war, she chose to leave Germany with a young daughter to come to Port Arthur in 1950 even though her parents chose to return home to Bykhov. They were never to see each other again.
Liza's life changed for the better when she married a young Italian immigrant, Tony Sdao. Liza and Tony had four children. They both lived out their lives at "187", the house they built together.
Having little education herself, Liza insisted her children focus on their studies and she was extremely proud of their university successes. She was a hockey and soccer mom before there were minivans. She was the ultimate cheerleader for her children and seldom missed an event.
In 1983, Liza's life took another dramatic turn when Tony passed away. With son Rick's support, she took on the challenge of managing the Sdao family properties. At the same time, she received the heartfelt familial embrace of Tony's cousins that lasted the rest of her life.
Liza began to travel. She loved her beach holidays in Venezuela and Mexico and cherished her time in Italy, especially her visit to Grimaldi, Tony's hometown. But she most enjoyed visiting her children in their many homes in the United States, Thailand and Canada.
Liza took great pleasure in attending her grandchildren's baptisms, first communions, graduations and games. She travelled to the wedding of her grandson Michael in Colorado in 2017. And yes, she graced the dance floor at age 90!
Liza's ultimate wish was to live out her life at her beloved "187". The family is grateful for the support of live-in caregiver Derla Bayuca, the dedication shown by her neighbours the Mirabelli and Hettrick families, and the resources of the LHIN that all allowed Liza to remain in her home.
Liza's last eight days were spent at TBRHSC. The family sincerely thanks all the clinical and support staff at Emergency and 3A who cared for our mother in any capacity. You all contributed to her peaceful passing and we are forever grateful.
The family gives thanks to Father Luigi of St. Anthony's Church for his visits to our mother at home and in hospital.
Liza is now reunited with her parents Maksim and Pasha Zubariewicz whom she so keenly missed and was eager to see, sister Anna, husband Tony, beloved grandson Paradon (Don) Munro and dearest friends Natalia Tomaszewski, "Tetya" Nila, and Anna Ruberto.
Liza is survived by her children Julie (Wierzbicki) Munro, Rosemarie (Ruth), Tony (Jan), Rick (Julie), and Larry (Gloria); and her grandchildren Michael (Sarah) and Jonathan, Troy and Amanda, and Heather and Christopher. She is also survived by her great-granddaughters Sloane and Gia (Michael's and Sarah's children).
"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine..."
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 when family and friends will gather in St. Anthony’s R.C. Church for the Funeral Mass beginning at 10:00 a.m. celebrated by Rev. Luigi Filippini. Those unable to attend the Mass in person may do via livestream at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr5X5uLF9qc. The inurnment will follow in St. Andrew’s Cemetery. Memorial visitation for friends will be held on Tuesday from 5:30-7 p.m. with the Vigil Service beginning at 7 p.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street.
The family respectfully requests all those in attendance to wear masks.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Elizabeth’s memory to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR https://giving.unhcr.org/en/general/ or the Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal https://www.redcross.ca/donate/appeal/donate-to-the-ukraine-humanitarian-crisis-appeal would be gratefully appreciated. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.