Maria Lapikockij, 94, of Gettysburg, entered into God's Eternal Care on Sunday, August 30, 2015 at Transitions. She was the wife of Mikola Lapikockij who died on August 7, 1987. Together they shared 46 years of marriage.

She was born June 22, 1921 in Gorzyce Jaroslaw, Ukraine, the daughter of the late Michael and Rozalia (Srodek) Bihajlo.

Her faith sustained her through many difficult situations. Maria and Mikola were, at times, in different camps in Germany during WW II. In April 1950, Maria, Mikola and their children, Anna, Nikolaus and John immigrated to the United States, arriving in Ellis Island. After a few months stay in New York, the family settled in Calvert County, Frederick, Maryland where they farmed for five years for their sponsorship.

After saving enough money, the family relocated to Gettysburg in 1956, residing in the 300 block of South Washington Street for 56 years. Due to her dementia, Mrs. Lapikockij moved in November 2008 to be with her son Nikolaus in Texas. After a few months in Texas and a strong desire to be near her friends, she moved back to Gettysburg, residing at the Fahnestock House until moving to Transitions.

Maria worked at the Gettysburg Garment Factory on Railroad Street for many years until its closing. She later worked for Dr. Wolf at his private practice, the Gettysburg Hospital and several other medical facilities. She also worked at a fraternity at Gettysburg College preparing meals for the students and was a long time member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Gettysburg.

Maria enjoyed cooking and sharing meals with her friends and neighbors. She was well liked by everyone she met.

She is survived by her daughter, Anna Nunz, Covington, GA; son Nikolaus Lapikockij, Freeport, TX; six grandchildren; nine great grandchildren and several brothers and sisters in Ukraine, Canada, Austria and Australia.

She was preceded in death by her son, John Lapikockij and twin granddaughters.

A funeral service will be held at 3 PM Saturday, September 5, 2015 at Peters Funeral Home, 321 Carlisle Street, Gettysburg with Deacon Brian Olkowski officiating. The family will receive friends and share memories from 2 PM until the time of the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery, Gettysburg.

Contributions in memory of Maria Lapikockij may be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 22 West High Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325.

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