Julia Maksymkiw

Maksymkiw, Julia
Beloved Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma

Peacefully went home to be with her beloved husband John on February 12, 2022 at the age of 91 years. Also preceded in death by her sisters Anna & Eugenia. Survived by children Mary Ann McGrath (Kevin) & Mike (Lisa); grandchildren Ann (Matt), Kelly, Erin, John (Morgan), Maia (Anthony), John & Sophie; 5 great grandchildren; nieces; nephews and her Prelude family. Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 11:00 AM at ST. GENEVIEVE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1683 Sorel Street, Centerville with visitation one hour before the Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights. Memorials to Prelude Ministries or flowers are welcome.

Julia was born on October 16, 1930, to Jakiw and Maria Hryniw in Polish occupied Ukraine. She was the youngest of 3 daughters growing up in the village of Zolotnyky.  During WWII, her family was relocated by the Nazis to Germany where she was indentured into forced labor. Following the war at the age of 20, she immigrated to America and became a part of the Ukrainian community in the Twin Cities. Here is where she met her husband, John. They lived the American dream owning a home in West St. Paul where they lived until John died in 2016.  They spent many summers at Farm Island Lake, near Aitkin, MN. Julia loved to cook, bake, and garden. Her freezer was always full so she could offer meals and desserts to anyone who stopped by.  She is famous for her apple squares, tortes, pyrohy, and banquet sized meals. Julia was the ultimate “Church Basement Lady” feeding scores of churchgoers. During their 60 years of marriage, Julia and John loved God, worked hard, and raised their family. She will be fondly remembered for being a loving mother and grandmother (Baba).