Ukrainians residing in Halifax have come together to ensure a respectful farewell for 25-year-old Karina Brydnya, who passed away in early January without her immediate family present in the city or the country.
Brydnya’s mother and sister, who are based in Ukraine, faced visa delays due to the ongoing conflict in their country, preventing them from traveling to Nova Scotia to bid their final goodbyes. As a result, there was a lack of family members to make funeral arrangements until a GoFundMe campaign was initiated by the Ukrainian community in Halifax.
The fundraising effort successfully generated $12,000 to cover the expenses associated with the funeral, cremation, and repatriation of Brydnya’s remains. Maryna Horobets, the head of the Nova Scotia branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, mentioned that although she did not personally know Brydnya, she had previous experience with repatriation procedures and understood the challenges involved.
Repatriation procedures involve obtaining various documents, translation services, lengthy waiting periods, and airfare costs, which can be overwhelming and financially burdensome, especially for grieving families. In Brydnya’s case, the process is prolonged as the cause of death is still under investigation by the medical examiner, delaying the issuance of her complete death certificate.
Kollin Weatherbee, a funeral director in Sydney, N.S., highlighted that in such circumstances, locating family members can take several days, leading to delays in securing necessary documentation and transportation arrangements. Coordinating between family members in different countries, obtaining death certificates, involving consulates, and adhering to airline policies and international laws further complicate the repatriation process.
While transporting cremated remains is relatively straightforward with proper documentation, full-body repatriations entail additional steps and costs, including embalming and secure packaging. Horobets mentioned that in Ukraine, burying the body is preferred, but due to lengthy procedures and delays, Brydnya’s family opted for cremation. Her ashes will be sent to Ukraine through her former mother-in-law, who will personally deliver them.
Brydnya’s passing has deeply impacted the Ukrainian community in Halifax, prompting gatherings to commemorate her life and ensure she is not forgotten. The community members have come together to express their condolences and share memories of Brydnya during her funeral, reflecting on her life and legacy.