Anna Saftiuk

The Lord called Anna Saftiuk to his heavenly home, Monday, March 19, 2012, after a prolonged illness. Born Anna Hlibka on June 24, 1919, in Novoselka, Ukraine, she wed her love, Walter Saftiuk, at the young age of sixteen. A mere three years later, she and her new family were forced to flee her beloved home as the Russian Communists seized her homeland. Enduring the horror of war and severe deprivation in Germany and Austria, the family with three small children immigrated to the open embrace of the USA in 1949. She made her home in South Bend, and became an American citizen. Anna was a very proud Ukrainian American and a member of the workforce as a nutritionist at South Bend Memorial Hospital for 15 years. She had a quick smile and a generous spirit, actually inviting the homeless to dine at her table. She possessed a deep and abiding faith and was a member of the Holy Trinity Orthodox Ukrainian Church, Goshen. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, canning, and baking. She was known for her golden brown "Babkas" a Ukrainian bread. She pursued learning, speaking four languages fluently. But most of all she adored her family. She is survived by her husband of 76 years. They shared a lifetime of love and commitment. Also surviving are a son, Viktor Saftiuk of South Bend; two daughters, Maria (Horst) Kubon of New Hope, Pennsylvania and Elisabeth Paulson of Cadillac, Michigan; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a brother, Vasil Hlibka of the Ukraine. Friends may call one hour prior to the 10 a.m., Saturday, March 24, 2012, funeral service at the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Church, Goshen. Burial will follow at Oakridge Cemetery, Goshen. The family would like to thank the Memorial Hospital staff and Dr. Troyer for their kind and compassionate care.