Obituary of ODARKA SAVELLA TROSKY-POLITZER

 

Odarka S. Trosky (Politzer)

    BA, B.Ed, M.Ed, Ph.D

      Professor Emerita

        University of Manitoba

         August 27, 1932 – August 27, 2024

 

“A strong woman knows she has strength enough for the journey, but a woman of strength knows it is in the journey where she will become strong” – Unknown

Odarka Trosky (Politzer) (nee Hrycyna) departed this world August 27, on her 92^nd birthday. Those left to remember her are daughter Deanne (Dave) Wasylyshen, grandchildren Kaira (Myles) Rumsey, Derek Wasylyshen (Jayde), and great granddaughter Margot Rumsey; extended family Ben Wasylyshen (Evelyn), Brad Hrycyna, Paula Hrycyna (Clark), and Lesia Nazerewich. She was predeceased by her parents, Very Rev. Heronim Dmytro and Maria Hrycyna (Jankowska), husbands Michael (Hal) Trosky and Edward James Politzer, brother Al Hrycyna and wife Eileen, and Evelyn and Ted Wasylyshen.

Mom was a force and a trail blazer, both in personality and ambition. Small in stature to be sure, but larger than life in her resilience and perseverance. In her own words, she was a “scawny, non-athletic, consummate reader” who was “tough minded, stubborn, often brisque but trusting to a fault”. No doubt her upbringing molded her formative years, crafting the very foundation for her fierce, yet fair and caring personality.

Born in Dauphin, MB in 1932, she moved numerous times, as her father took on various clergical positions within the Orthodox Church parish. Her younger years were spent in Edmonton, followed by Wakaw, Yorkton, Dauphin and finally Winnipeg.

Mom’s initial dream of becoming a dentist was dashed by low marks in high school Physics (!). Coupled with that, her head strong mother insisted she pursue a more ‘respectable and conventional’ career, such as becoming a grade school teacher. Mom embraced this alternate vocation, which became her life long passion and ultimately, her legacy.

Starting her career attending Normal School (Teacher’s College) in Winnipeg at age 19, her first postings were at Centennial School (1951-53), Montcalm School (1953-54), and Strathcona School (1954-61). During this period, Mom met and married her first husband, Hal (1958) and soon welcomed their only child, Deanne (1961).

Mom became focused on advancing her career, receiving her BA and Masters in Education in the early 1960’s.  Her pursuit of developing teaching strategies came about when controversy arose over a fundamental question: how should children be taught to read. During this pinnacle debate within the teaching ranks, Mom formulated teaching modules and tools for educators. She participated on numerous speaking engagements across the province, enlightening educators on her research and lesson plans. With published papers in the Manitoba Teachers as part of her curriculum vitae, she was offered a position of Associate Professor in the Department of Education at the University of Manitoba. Having Dad’s blessing and encouragement, Mom pursued a PhD in Toronto, taking leave at the university while travelling to and from Winnipeg every few months. In between her visits, Dad and Mom recorded cassette messages to each other on a weekly basis, mailing tapes back and forth as an economical way to hear each others voices. Although she attained her PhD in 1969 and was rewarded a Full Professorship at the University of Manitoba, sorrow ensued as Dad suddenly passed away that same year. Such tragedy and triumph ultimately lead to life altering challenges and changes.

Mom continued to excel in her chosen field, authoring and co-authoring numerous journal publications, educational training books and “how to” articles. She was an advisor to the Faculty of Medicine as a professional resource in understanding how the human brain processes written information as it relates to learning. She also had several foreign (sabbatical) teaching assignments in advancing learning strategies, most notably in Trinidad Tobago and England.

As a long time member of the Holy Trinity Metropolitan Orthodox Cathedral, she faithfully attended services and for years, adorned fashionably sophisticated hats that became her calling card! Her love for her faith led to researching and ultimately authoring a reference book, “The Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church in Canada” (1968). She also took on the role of Principal at St. Andrews College on the University of Manitoba campus (1986-1987), a seminary training institution for the Ukrainian faithful.

Mom meet Ed Politzer in the mid 80’s and married in 1987. She retired from the University in 1991, and was honored with Professor Emeritus in 1993. In retirement, both she and Ed enjoyed many years of cottage life in the Gimli and Winnipeg Beach areas, decades of ‘snowbirding’ in Brownsville, Texas, and numerous travelling adventures around the world. Their grandest trip was to caravan around Europe in a cab-over camper – an incredible journey that took 18 months to complete. Although it was a trip of a lifetime, Mom was not a fan of the cramped quarters, lack of proper washroom facilities, and doing the dishes!

In 2016, Mom and Ed moved to an assisted living complex. As a self-professed “lousy cook”, Mom loved the gourmet meals, along with the activity-laden, carefree lifestyle. Outside of their new home, event dinners hosted by family were not only cherished social events (featuring cut-throat crokinole tournaments), she also relished in eating all her favorite foods – which just happened to be anything that anyone else would make! Tragically, after suffering a severe brain hemorrhage in 2017 due to an accidental fall, Mom relocated to Holy Family Care Home. Ultimately suffering from debilitating dementia, the support that Holy Family provided for her is beyond measure. We will forever be in their debt for the care and compassion given over the last several difficult years.

At mom’s request, a private family funeral will be held. At a later date, a family internment will occur. In lieu of flowers and if so desired, a donation would be appreciated to Holy Family Care Home (165 Aberdeen Avenue, Winnipeg, R2W 1T9), Holy Trinity Metropolitan Orthodox Cathedral (1175 Main St, Winnipeg, R2W 3S4), or the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba (120 Donald St, Winnipeg, R3C 4G2).

 

Death may be the last chapter in time but is the first chapter in eternity. Mom/Babtza/Odarka/Dr. Trosky may be gone, but her presence will forever be felt in those that knew her, was educated by her, or was loving touched by her. Although she had many regrets in life (as we all do), Mom lived a long, challenging and accomplished life, to which these final parting words hold true…….

“I am proud of the woman I am today, because I went through one hell of a time becoming her” – Unknown

                                                                            Vichnaya Pamyat – Memory Eternal