Natalie Lutyi

Natalie (Natalia) Lutyi, 94, formerly of Whitehall, died Monday, April 30, at Above & Beyond, the Knights, Allentown.  She is the widow of John (Ivan) Lutyi. Born in Ukraine, daughter of Yakov and Tatiana (Isayova) Ruban, Natalie experienced poverty and famine under the regime of Josef Stalin. These hardships steeled her to endure the uncertainties of WWII and her interning in German war camps. She met and married Ivan in one of these camps, and together with their toddler Lora (Larissa) they emigrated to the USA for hopes of a better life. Through hard work and saving, they built a home and provided a secure life for family. Eventually they became US citizens.  Natalie retired from Cross Country Clothes, Northampton, where she worked for 30 years. She will be remembered for her fierce determination, strong will and opinions, and above all else, putting family first. She took pride in growing her vegetable and floral gardens, and cooking traditional Ukrainian dishes.
Survivors: daughters, Vera Helman and partner, Joe Allen of Allentown, Lora Sussman, Cliffside Park, NJ; grandchildren, Tina Helman Spotts (Jeffrey), Summit, NJ, Adam Helman (Della) Allentown, Garrett Sussman (Sandra), Neal Sussman (Samantha) both of NYC; great-grandchildren Natalia, Stella, Ava Spotts and Andrew Sussman; sister, Hanna of Ukraine; nieces and nephews in Ukraine.
A Burial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Assump. Virgin Mary Ukrain.Orthodox Ch., 1301 Newport Ave. Northampton, PA with the Fr. Myron Oryhon officiating. Interment will follow in Assump. Virgin Mary Ukrain.Orth.Cemetery, Northampton, PA. The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM prior to the service at the Church.
Contributions: Church Memorial Fund c/o Schisler Funeral Home.