Irene Dubas

In loving memory of IRENE DUBAS who passed away peacefully at her home on August 29, 2024 at the age of 101. Mrs. Dubas was predeceased by her husband Leo and is survived by her sons Ivan (Ann) and Mark, her grandson Paul (Helen), and her great grandson Leo, her late husband’s namesake. Her father was Yaroslav Barnych, noted composer of the Ukrainian operetta “Hutsulka Ksenia.” Her mother, Yaroslava Barnych, was affiliated with the theater in Ukraine, a teacher at Ridna Shkola Ukrainian School and member of Ukrainian National Women's League of America (UNWLA) in Parma, Ohio. Her grandparents, Ivan and Katerina Rubchak were famous theater luminaries in Ukraine. 

Mrs. Dubas’s notable achievement and claim to fame was in the area of women’s sports - most notably in many events in track and field and also volleyball. After World War II, she won many first place medals in track and field events in Displaced People (DP) intra-nation athletic competitions in Germany, highlighted by winning a record four track events at the 1948 DP International Olympics in Munich. A collection of photographs and accompanying commentary highlighting her sports accomplishments can be viewed at the Ukrainian National Museum in Chicago. 

To her family, Mrs. Dubas has left an enduring legacy to be cherished, admired, and treasured - namely her devotion to family, her love of sports and athleticism, her life-active style, sacrifice for the common good, and her “can do” mentality. Even in later years she never lost her zest for life. Joyfully and with determination, she enjoyed walking or performing vigorous exercises until she was well over 100 years old. She likewise was a highly respected member of the Ukrainian community, highlighted by her role as organizer of women’s athletics in the Cleveland area, player-coach of a women’s volleyball team, a senior member of UNWLA, and a devotee and supporter of Ukrainian arts and culture. In short, to her family, friends and community alike, Mrs. Dubas has been hailed and recognized as a true Ukrainian role model and patriot par excellence.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 10 AM – 11 AM at St. Andrew Ukrainian Catholic Church 7700 Hoertz Rd. Parma, OH 44134. Funeral Liturgy to follow at 11 AM. 

Interment St. Andrew Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in Irene's memory to St. Andrew Ukrainian Catholic Church or Ukrainian National Women's League.