Hillsborough, NJ - Maria Hnidj, 89, entered eternal life on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at her home. Born in the Ukraine, daughter of the late Andrij and Evadokia (Derkacz) Olijnyk, Maria came to the United States as a young teenager with her parents from German work camps at the end of WWII.

She met and married, Bohdan Hnidj in 1952 and raised three children. They were married for 52 years.

Maria was employed as a line worker at Reckitt in Hillsborough and retired in 1996, after 20 years of service. Maria loved spending time with her family, taking trips to the casino, and upholding traditions, such as blessing of the Easter baskets and cooking authentic Ukrainian food.

She was a lifelong parishioner and founding member of St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in Hillsborough. She loved the many dear friendships she made over the years and looked forward to socializing at coffee hour after Sunday mass. Over the decades, she was proud to have volunteered there to make hundreds of dozens of delicious varenyky/peroghies with her church friends to raise money.

Besides her parents, Maria was preceded by her beloved husband, Bohdan on December 29, 2004; son George Hnidj on December 7, 2023, and brother Paul Lenak in 1944.

Maria is survived by and will be missed by her loving daughters Irene Hnidj and Mary Ann Hnidj of Hillsborough; daughter-in-law Patricia Kurdyla-Hnidj, her heartbroken grandchildren Kelly Primich (husband Michael Primich), Jennifer Brady (husband Michael Brady); and beloved great granddaughters, Mia, Gretchen, Audrey and Susanna. She also leaves behind a niece, nephew, other close family members and dear friends.

Maria was always smiling and laughing up until her last day, which was beautifully spent with her family on Christmas Day. She will be forever cherished.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, December 29, 2023, from 3-6 p.m.at 5p.m. Fr. Orest will conduct the Panchyda service and on Saturday, December 30 from 8:45 – 9:15 a.m. at Fucillo & Warren Funeral Home, 205 South Main Street, Manville, NJ 08835.  Funeral services will begin at the funeral home on Saturday, December 30 at 9:15 a.m. followed by a 10:00 a.m. funeral liturgy at St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in Hillsborough with Fr. Orest officiating.  Committal words and interment will follow at St. Andrew Ukrainian Cemetery in South Bound Brook.  Memorial contributions may be made in Maria's memory to St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in Hillsborough or to help the war effort in the Ukraine.

To send condolences to the family or sign the online guest book, please visit www.FucilloandWarrenFuneralHome.com.