Lyalya O. Strumkovsky, age 59, entered into eternal life on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Somerville, NJ with her loving family at her side. Born and raised in Verkhovyna, Ukraine, she was the daughter of the late Vladimir and Bronislava (née Chechanovsky) Strumkovsky; Lyalya immigrated to the United States of America in 2001 settling in Green Brook, New Jersey.

Lyalya earned her Doctor of Medicine degree at Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University in Ukraine. After immigrating to the United States, she achieved what once seemed impossible, becoming a physician again and earning the honor of being named Chief Resident of her residency program at Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital. Her passion for medicine and helping people was a reflection of the dedication, intelligence, and perseverance that defined her life.

Though she was "petite" in stature, something she always joked about, her talents and bright spirit was anything but small. She was an extraordinary classical pianist, and the room seemed to always come alive the moment she placed her hands on a pair of piano keys. Music was always a part of who she was. She had so many gifts and interests. She was a graceful figure skater, a beautiful vocalist, and an incredible cook who could make just about anything for anyone that had the honor of sitting at her table. She enjoyed collecting Christmas ornaments, going camping, fishing, and tending to her garden every summer. She carried herself with beauty and grace and many will always remember her as the doctor that worked long shifts in heels and a nice dress. She had the kind of warm, radiant smile that made people feel instantly at ease, and her presence had a way of filling a room with kindness and light. She also had a wonderfully spontaneous spirit. She was always ready to get in the car and go somewhere just because. With her, time didn't seem to exist because what mattered most was being together, sharing the moment, and making life feel a little more alive.

Above all else, however, Lyalya was the most loving mother, wife, sister, GiGi, mother-in-law, and friend. She loved deeply, hugged often, and cared for others with every inch of her being. The selfless love she gave so freely will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her.

Lyalya is survived by her caring husband, George Poiani, with whom she joined hands in marriage on November 8, 2020; her loving children, Iryna Shevchuk and Vlad Strumkovsky and his wife Rachel Rich Strumkovsky; dear sister Tatyana Strumkovskaya, her treasured grandchildren, Mila and Armin Strumkovsky, and stepdaughter, Anne Elisse Poiani.

Family and friends are invited to join together for a viewing at Fucillo & Warren Funeral Home, located at 205 South Main Street, Manville, NJ 08835 on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. with the Parastas at 7:00 p.m. and on Friday, March 13, from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. The funeral services will begin at the funeral home on Friday, at 10:15 a.m. with the Panachyda followed by an 11:00 a.m. funeral service at St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1700 Brooks Boulevard, Hillsborough, NJ with Fr. Orest officiating. Committal words and interment will follow at St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery, 280 Main St, South Bound Brook, NJ. To send condolences to the family, share photographs, or light a virtual candle in memory of Lyalya, please visit www.FucilloandWarrenFuneralHome.com . Memorial contributions may be made in Lyalya's name to help Ukrainian relief efforts through the Wellness Fund by visiting the following link https://fuzevitality.com/wellness-fund/ .