Newcastle Polish church (NSW) long-time member Stefania Petryk recently celebrated a century of life.
Family and friends gathered for a special program organised by her church community, paying tribute to Ms Petryk’s life of service and faith. Attendees described her story as “a testament to faith, resilience and generosity.”
Born in Roznoshyntsi, Ukraine, Ms Petryk faced significant hardship during World War II, including forced labour under Nazi occupation. After escaping to Munich, she translated for Ukrainian Jews and helped protect them from deportation to concentration camps.
She migrated to Australia in 1951, settling first in Bathurst before moving to Medowie. In 1968, a door-to-door Bible study introduced her to the Adventist faith. Despite facing opposition from her husband, she chose to be baptised, saying, “Because I want to go with God’s way.”
Ms Petryk spent years collecting and sending clothing to orphanages in Ukraine and supporting children affected by poverty and the Chernobyl disaster. Her humanitarian work earned her recognition from both the Australian and Ukrainian governments.
Ms Petryk currently lives in Wallsend, where she cultivates a garden and remains active in her faith, spending time in prayer and Bible reading. “I want to be with God,” she said.
