Matushka Annice Oleynik, 70, fell asleep in the Lord after a brief illness, and surrounded by family, on July 6, 2024.
Born on March 4, 1954, in Marblehead, OH, Annice graduated from East Meadow High School in 1972. She then earned a degree in Psychology from Bryn Mawr University in 1976. She devoted her life to supporting her husband, Archpriest Joseph Oleynik, in service to the Orthodox Church. She was Matushka of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Canonsburg, PA for more than 38 years, including over 25 years as Choir Director. As a Matushka she cared for each parishioner the same way she cared for her garden: with love, gentleness, and generosity. Wherever she went, Annice sowed seeds of Orthodox Christian love, and was known for her kindness and joyful nature. Her greatest joys were her grandchildren. She also enjoyed gardening, singing, reading, and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Annice is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Archpriest Joseph Oleynik, her children Melanie (James) Paulick, Julianna (Anthony) Cario, and Alexis (Justin) DeArmitt, and her grandchildren, Sophia, Jacob, Mary, Elijah, Daniel, Joseph, Thomas, Evelyn, and Micah, her mother, Matushka Evelyn Hubiak, and her sister, Larice Nescott.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 9 at 7:00 PM and funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 10 at 7:00 PM at Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in Berlin, MD. The services at Christ the Savior Church will be live-streamed. Interment will be Thursday, July 11 at 1:00 PM at St. Tikhon’s Monastery, in South Canaan, PA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Christ the Savior Orthodox Church Building Fund in Berlin or St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Canonsburg, PA.
The family expresses their sincere gratitude for the love and support they have received. To know Annice was to know love.
May Matushka Annice’s memory be eternal!