At 109, Lviv’s Oldest Resident Celebrates a New Milestone

Olena Kyrylivna Rybalko Marks Her Birthday

According to Главком: Lviv’s oldest living resident, Olena Kyrylivna Rybalko, has celebrated her 109th birthday. Born on June 2, 1917, in the Vinnytsia region, she pursued a medical career and spent much of her life as a doctor, treating wounded insurgents. Nearly her entire professional life was dedicated to medicine, retiring only at age 89. Among her patients were prominent figures from Ukrainian culture, science, and the church, including:

• Dmytro Pavlychko
• Ivan Krypyakevych
• Yosyf Kladochny

A Life of Service and Survival

During World War II, Rybalko served as a medic and liaison for the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). She also survived the Holodomor famine of 1932–1933. After the war, she relocated to the Lviv region, where she continued her medical practice.

At her birthday celebration, Rybalko received a cash gift of 10,000 hryvnias and a bouquet of flowers. Ivan Fasolnyk offered congratulations on behalf of the Lviv community, presenting her with gifts.

“We wish Mrs. Olena strong health, family warmth, the love of those close to her, and daily joy!” said Tetiana Kolesnyk.

For context, this celebration highlights the resilience of Ukraine’s oldest generation. Similarly, in Kryvyi Rih, centenarian Maria Shevtsova recently marked her 102nd birthday. She survived the Holodomor and served as a combat medic during World War II, joining the IV Ukrainian Front on June 23, 1941.

Honoring long-living individuals like Olena Rybalko underscores the importance of preserving historical memory and the experiences of older generations. These individuals not only endured difficult times but also made significant contributions to society, particularly in healthcare. Such celebrations also serve as a reminder of the value of human life and the wisdom passed down to future generations.

As we celebrate the remarkable life of Olena Rybalko, it's worth noting that she is not alone in her journey. In a similar vein, Maria Shevtsova recently celebrated her 102nd birthday in Kryvyi Rih, marking her own legacy of resilience and service during tumultuous times. These stories of longevity and dedication highlight the invaluable contributions of Ukraine's older generations to society.