Lemko-Rusyns in the United States. Interview lem.fm on 11.24.2011. Anna (Swiahła) Farbanec 1921-2021

Lemko-Rusyns in the United States.
Miami Beach, FL / www.lemko.org. Interview by lem.fm on 11.24.2011. Anna (Swiahła) Farbanec. May 1, 1921(Tylawa) - October 31, 2021 (Jersey City).
Anna (Swiahla) Farbanec, 100 years old, of Jersey City, NJ passed away on October 31, 2021 at the Reformed Church Home in Old Bridge, NJ.
She was born on May 1, 1921, the first of seven girls born to Stefan and Mary Swiahla in Tylawa, Poland. Anna immigrated to the United States in 1956 with her young children and first lived in Jersey City. As Anna would say, it was "beautiful Jersey City – nowhere more beautiful!" She spent her years residing in both New Jersey and Miami Beach, Florida. She worked at New York Telephone Company in downtown Manhattan as one of the pioneering employees in the company's infancy. She loved cooking for her family. She loved the holidays, especially Pascha where she did pysanky or painted beautiful eggs for the festivities. Anna was also very creative and enjoyed sewing unique clothes for her family. Never afraid to speak her mind (which stayed sharp!), her honesty, insightfulness, and indomitable spirit will not be forgotten.
Above all, Anna had a kind and giving heart. Helping others was woven into her being and she would often send packages of clothing to Poland and give food to those in need. Anna is survived by her daughter Olga Chowanec; her son Walter Swahla; three sisters, Eva Pirog, Sonia Patterson and Teresa Pyren; 6 granddaughters and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Michael Farbanec in 1996 and her sisters Mary Fesz, Olga Maryn, and Nancy Wasenda.