Matushka Nina Bohush-Stroyen

April 23, 2020 Matushka Nina Bohush-Stroyen
CHERRY HILL, NJ [OCA]

Matushka Nina Bohush—Stroyen, wife of the late Archpriest W. Basil Stroyen fell asleep in the Lord on Bright Thursday evening, April 23, 2020.

Born June 10, 1924 in Endicott, NY to John and Anna (Chura) Bohush. Matushka Nina was a graduate of Union-Endicott High School, and also a Registered Nurse who graduated from the nursing program at Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City, NY.

Matushka Nina was married to the late Archpriest W. Basil Stroyen, who served as Dean of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, rector of many parishes throughout the United States and Dean of many deaneries. Fr. Basil was also the first Orthodox U.S. Air Force Chaplain, in which she faithfully stood by him through his military assignments.
Matushka Nina is survived by her brother Archpriest John D. Bohush and sister Elizabeth Whitaker. Many nieces and nephews, especially her two nephews Deacon Mark Bohush (Matushka Patricia) and Matthew (Kristine) Bohush, along with many great nieces and nephews, their spouses and great-great nieces and nephews, godchildren and many friends.

She is predeceased by her husband Archpriest Basil, her parents John and Anna Bohush, brothers Archpriest Peter, Alexander; and nephew Priest John D. Bohush III.

Matushka Nina along with Father Basil were co-editors of the world renowned “The Orthodox Herald” and she authored the famous cookbook, “Hanya’s Kitchen” that is used by people throughout the world. Up until her passing, she was a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Tikhon’s Seminary.

Matushka was a parishioner of the Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery Church in South Canaan, PA. She had a great love for the Church, stemming from her childhood of singing in the choir to being a member of the Board of Trustees at Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. Everyone has always said that she brought great joy and happiness to their lives when she was around, whether it was at Church or at Spring Hills Assisted Living in Cherry Hill, NJ, where she lived out the last days of her life.

It is difficult to summarize a lifetime of works. Those who knew her and loved her will be able to smile as they recount their experiences with her. Many times we hear at funerals that it is the “dash” between the dates that define us. She always believed it wasn’t so much what you did in your “dash”, but what you have done during that “dash” to pass the baton to others to keep the good works going and make their “dash” count.

Due to state restrictions because of the coronavirus, burial will be at the convenience of the family at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery in South Canaan, PA.

Reflections by His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, Archbishop of New York & New Jersey and rector of St. Tikhon's Seminary can be found here.

May Matushka Nina’s memory be eternal!