Maria Sulkiwska, age 101, of Monroe, passed away in her home December 29, 2025.
Maria was born March 24, 1924 in Ukraine, she was the daughter of Nestor and Sophia (Prolepa) Pronzhenko. She married Petro "Peter" Sulkiwskyj February 22, 1946, sadly he preceded her in death January 1, 1991.
Maria survived the Ukrainian Famine of 1932-1933 (Holodomor). She was taken to work at the German Concentration Camps making military weapons during World War II.
Maria and Peter wanted a better life for their family and were able to bring them to the Unites States in 1951.
She worked for Ford Motor Company as a seamstress on the Lincoln line until her retirement.
Maria was a member of St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, Southfield.
She was an avid reader, liked to sew and embroider and she loved the time she spent with family.
Maria is survived by two children, Olga (Wasyl) Karpenko of Monroe and Michael (Kathy Jo) Sulkiwskyj of Sterling Heights; three grandchildren, Dr. Andrew (Dr. Amy) Karpenko, Mark (Renee) Karpenko and Nykolas Sulkiwskyj; four great grandchildren, Elaina Karpenko, Matthew Karpenko, Ian Karpenko and Anna Karpenko.
In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be held from 3 – 7 p.m. Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI 48161, where a Panakhyda (memorial vigil) service will be held at 5 p.m. There will be a funeral service held on Monday, January 5, 2026 beginning at 10 a.m. at St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 21931 Evergreen Rd., Southfield, MI 48075. Burial will take place at White Chapel Cemetery, Troy.
Memorial contributions are suggested to UCARE Inc. or St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .