| Maria Stepanivna Mukomela | |
 | |
| Birth: | 24 April 1919 village of Milyvtsi, Kamianets-Podilskyi region, Ukraine |
| Age: | 105 years, 364 days |
| Country: |  UKR
|
| Centenarian | |
Maria Stepanivna Mukomela (born 24 April 1919) is a Ukrainian woman who has lived through some of the most turbulent periods in history, yet remained resilient, positive, and devoted to her family. She celebrated her 105th birthday in 2024, marking an extraordinary life filled with personal loss, historical upheaval, and a spirit that never wavered.
Biography[]
Maria was born in the village of Milyvtsi, located in the Kamianets-Podilskyi region of Ukraine. She was raised in a peasant family, but her life was marked by hardship from an early age. Maria lost her mother when she was very young and was raised by her father, alongside her younger sister and half-brother.
After completing her education, she worked as an accountant in Milyvtsi, before becoming an economist in the city of Kamianets-Podilskyi.
Maria’s early adulthood was abruptly interrupted by the outbreak of World War II in 1941. Like many others, she faced unimaginable struggles, including the survival of the war while raising her firstborn child. In 1944, she returned to her homeland as a widow, having lost her first husband during the war.
Despite this tragedy, Maria’s life took another turn when she met Ivan, a war veteran and the head of the Milyvtsi collective farm. Together, they raised two sons, Viktor and Oleg, and built a home, living nearly 60 years together in love and mutual respect.
Throughout her life, Maria faced immense personal loss. Both of her sons, Viktor and Oleg, predeceased her, as did her beloved husband Ivan. Viktor had been a prominent engineer at a factory in Kamianets-Podilskyi, and Oleg was a respected physician who led the endoscopic department at the Khmelnytskyi Regional Hospital for 40 years.
Despite the losses, Maria's strength endured. She found solace and joy in her extensive family, which includes two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She is currently residing in the city of Khmelnytskyi, where she continues to live a fulfilling life, deeply thankful for the many years granted to her.
Maria’s life has spanned numerous significant historical events, including the Holodomor (the Great Famine of 1932-1933), the Second World War, the rise and fall of empires, and the significant technological advancements of the 20th century. She witnessed the first generation of electricity produced at a mill on the Zbruch River, saw Nestor Makhno in the market at Smohrich, and felt the fear of the German planes during the war. Maria has experienced the collective farming system's impact, the horrors of war, and the profound changes brought by industrialization and modernization.
Her resilience and positive outlook on life, despite the adversities she has faced, serve as an inspiration to all who know her. In recent years, her grandson, Oleg Demchuk, shared her story on social media, highlighting her enduring spirit and the profound impact of her life on those around her.
Today, Maria Mukomela is a living testament to the power of perseverance, love, and family. Her longevity is a remarkable achievement, and she remains a beloved figure in her community. As she celebrates her 105th year, Maria continues to radiate positivity, expressing gratitude for the years she has been given and the family she helped nurture.