Ukrainian Community Unites to Honor Karina Brydnyam in Halifax

The Ukrainian community in Halifax has rallied together to ensure a “dignified farewell” for Karina Brydnyam, a 25-year-old woman who passed away in early January 2023. With her immediate family residing in Ukraine, Brydnyam’s mother and sister were unable to travel to Canada to say their final goodbyes due to ongoing visa challenges linked to the conflict in Ukraine.

Maryna Horobets, head of the Nova Scotia branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), noted that Brydnyam’s family could not secure visas in time for the funeral arrangements. This situation left community members to step in, and they initiated a GoFundMe campaign that successfully raised $12,000 to cover funeral, cremation, and repatriation costs. The campaign poignantly states, “No mother should have to lose her child from afar, without the chance to hold her hand one last time.”

The logistical challenges of repatriating remains are considerable, as explained by Horobets. She stated that the process requires numerous documents, translation services, and can involve long wait times, which can be overwhelming for grieving families. In Brydnyam’s case, the medical examiner’s ongoing investigation into her cause of death has further delayed the necessary paperwork.

“Without the conclusion of the medical examiner’s office, we cannot get her full death certificate,” Horobets explained. The uncertainty surrounding the investigation has only added to the emotional burden faced by Brydnyam’s community and family.

The complexities of repatriation are echoed by Kollin Weatherbee, a funeral director in Sydney, Nova Scotia, who highlighted that locating family members often delays the process. “Families are devastated by the loss, and then they may have to wait two to three weeks before they can see their loved one or receive the ashes,” he said.

Obtaining the necessary documentation can be particularly challenging, as family members in the deceased’s home country must coordinate with those in the place of death, often relying on translators. Weatherbee elaborated that the repatriation process involves obtaining a death certificate, applying to the medical examiner, and engaging with consulates, which can complicate matters further, especially if the death occurs in a location without consular representation.

When it comes to transporting remains, regulations vary significantly, including those set by airlines and international laws. Weatherbee clarified that cremated remains are accompanied by a cremation certificate, which serves as proof of when and where the cremation took place. For full-body repatriations, the deceased must be embalmed, and the remains shipped in a sealed container, which can be costly.

Horobets emphasized cultural preferences in Ukraine, where burial is often favored over cremation. “There are international medical procedures and documentation that need to be completed, but it takes months,” she said. Given the circumstances, Brydnyam’s family has opted for cremation, with plans for her ashes to be sent back to Ukraine through her former mother-in-law, who is traveling to deliver them personally.

The impact of Brydnyam’s death has resonated throughout the Halifax Ukrainian community. Many have come together to share memories and honor her life, ensuring she is not forgotten. “At Karina’s funeral, many people wanted to express their condolences to her family,” Horobets noted. “They came with flowers, toys, and tea to share good memories and learn about who Karina was.”

As the community continues to support one another during this difficult time, the efforts to provide Brydnyam with a dignified farewell stand as a testament to the strength and solidarity of the Ukrainian people in Halifax.