Dr. Vera Krokonko, 90, of Casselberry, Florida, formerly of Ambridge, Moon Township, and Cranberry Township, passed away on January 22nd, 2026, in her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Ambridge on July 18th, 1935, a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Lavrinok Krokonko. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Carrie Krokonko in 2015, a grandson, Terry Foley and a great niece, Adah Grace Krokonko. She is survived by four daughters: Tarrie Buchannon of Beaver Falls, Tina (Orin) Kephart of Arizona, Trina (Ted) Hennigan of North Carolina and Carmel Bynum of Arizona; as well as 8 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and a brother, Joseph (Linda) Krokonko of Zainesville, Ohio.

Dr. Vera was a 1953 graduate of Ambridge High School, 1957 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and a 1961 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh Medical School.  She served her internship in medicine and pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh from 1962-1965. Following her internship, she started her practice in pediatrics in Moon Township retiring in 2000, after 34 years of dedicated service to the community.  Her passion in life was serving God as a lifelong member of the Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ambridge and she was a member of the choir there and later became the choir director in 1982.  She also served as a cantor and lector for many years.  She was a charter member of the Solidity Group for Women and was a charter member of the original parish council. She served on the Liturgical-Spiritual Committee for many years and taught CCD and adult education classes.  In 1965, she became a Secular Franciscan and in 2007 took the vows of the Consecrated Virgin in the Catholic Church. She was very proud to receive her Masters and PHD in Spiritual Formation from Duquesne University in 1997.  She took piano lessons for 9 years and loved playing the piano and painting Pysanky (Ukrainian Easter Eggs).

Friends will be received on Tuesday, February 3rd from 11 A.M. until the time of a funeral service at 12 noon in the Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 404 Sixth Street, Ambridge, with Father Michael Polosky Officiating. Interment will follow in SS Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery, 1691 Ridge Road Extension, #1601, Ambridge.
In lieu of flowers the family asks donations to be made to the SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 404 Sixth Street, Ambridge, PA 15003. Arrangements have been entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Vera Krokonko, please visit the floral store of the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Karina Roberta Hudac, 55, of Economy Borough, passed away on January 27th, 2026. She was born on September 4th, 1970, a beloved daughter of Valerie Kozak and the late Jerry Hudac.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her son, Kevin Hudac, her aunts, Marlene Hudac and Maryanne Kozak, her uncle, Robert Kozak, her maternal grandparents, Michael and Eugenia Kozak and paternal grandparents, Edward and Doris Hudac. She is survived by her sisters, Sheila Albright and Tammy George, her uncle, John Kozak, her aunts, Faythe Hudac and Holly Kozak, her nieces, Sophia Albright and Kailey George, her nephews: Joshua Martz, Zackary Gill, Cody George, and Seth Albright; life partner, Scott Zbrzezny; as well as her godmother, Helena Hess, and her beloved pets, Willy and Decland.

Karina was a graduate of Ambridge High School, Class of 1988, and went on to attend nursing school, earning her bachelor’s degree. She devoted many years to her career as a nurse, caring for others with compassion and dedication. Her life revolved around her son, whom she loved deeply. Karina was a positive, selfless soul who was always willing to help anyone in need. She found peace in campfires and cherished trips to the beach, especially watching the sunrise. Above all, she loved being in the warmth of the sun.

A Visitation will be held from 12 noon to 4 P.M. on Sunday, February 1st at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Monday, February 2nd at Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Church, 546 Melrose Avenue, Ambridge. Burial will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Cemetery, 1691 Ridge Road Extension, #1601, Ambridge.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in care to the funeral home, Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, PA 15003.