Obituary of Vera Dychkewich
Vera Dychkewich, born November 13, 1932, in a cold water flat on the Lower East Side of New York City, began her life as a premature twin, kept warm during winter on the warming trays of a coal-burning stove. She overcame these modest beginnings to lead a beautiful life defined by determination, creativity, and an unshakably sunny disposition.
A graduate of Washington Irving High School, Vera furthered her education with courses in statistics at New York University. She married the love of her life, Sergei Dychkewich, moving up their wedding date so she could accompany Serge to Heidelberg, Germany, during his U.S. Army deployment. Vera sailed on the USS United States which still proudly holds the record for fastest trans-Atlantic crossing, and together they embarked on a year-long European honeymoon, exploring the continent in their 32-horse power Hillman Minx car.
Upon returning to the United States, Vera rejoined Charles Pfizer in marketing research while Serge began his career at IBM in NYC. Together, they raised two children, Peter and Diane, in Sunnyside, Queens, before relocating with IBM to Poughkeepsie, NY, and settling in Wappingers Falls where they called home for 35 years. Vera was a prolific seamstress, and for many years made clothes for herself and Diane. Her creative hand was matched only by her deep devotion to her faith. She became a cornerstone of her church community, and together with Serge were among the founders of St. Gregory the Theologian Orthodox Church in Wappingers Falls, serving as President of the Altar Society, and spearheading numerous fundraisers and fairs.
Vera’s professional career continued when she joined IBM, advancing swiftly from secretary to Executive Secretary to the General Counsel of IBM’s PC Division. Her artistic spirit found expression in the painting of Holy Icons, treasured by churches and private homes alike. Despite the challenges life presented, including her later diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, Vera remained a beacon of positivity and joy.
Vera spent her final years at Artis Senior Living in Yorktown Heights, New York, surrounded by care and comfort. In addition to her devoted husband Sergei, Vera is survived by her daughter Diane Dychkewich of Rockville, MD, and son Peter Dychkewich and his wife Julie of Washington, DC., leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and unwavering faith. She was predeceased by her twin sister, Sonia Lukashuk, and her half-brother, John Boris.
Vera Dychkewich’s life was a testament to the power of perseverance and the beauty of a kind heart. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, fellow parishioners of St. Gregory’s Church, and all who were fortunate to know her. May her memory be eternal.
Family will receive friends on Friday, April 25, 2025 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at St. Gregory Church, 1500 Route 376, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A funeral service will immediately follow at 7:00pm. A burial service will be held at 9:00am Saturday, April 26, 2025 at St. Gregory Church, in conjunction with the Bright Saturday Liturgy. Interment at Fishkill Rural Cemetery will be followed by a repast.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Vera’s name to St. Gregory the Theologian Church, 1500 Route 376, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.
