A tragic story from Halifax, Nova Scotia, highlights the complex and emotional journey of sending remains abroad, especially in the face of international conflict. The death of 25-year-old Karina Brydnyam, a Ukrainian citizen, has brought to light the challenges and barriers that families face when dealing with such a sensitive and personal matter.
Karina, sadly, passed away in early January without her immediate family by her side. Her mother and sister, residing in Ukraine, were unable to obtain visas in time to travel to Nova Scotia due to the ongoing war in their country. This left a void, as there was no one to arrange Karina's funeral and ensure a proper send-off.
However, the Halifax community, particularly the Ukrainian members, stepped up to ensure Karina received a "dignified farewell." A GoFundMe campaign was initiated, raising a remarkable $12,000 to cover the costs of the funeral, cremation, and repatriation process.
Maryna Horobets, the head of the Nova Scotia branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), shared her insights. She explained the challenges of repatriation, which involve a multitude of documents, translation services, lengthy wait times, and airfare. These complexities can be overwhelming and costly, especially for grieving families.
In Karina's case, the process is further complicated by the ongoing investigation into her cause of death by the medical examiner. "We're still awaiting some documents," Horobets said, "as we need the medical examiner's conclusion to obtain a full death certificate."
Kollin Weatherbee, a funeral director in Sydney, N.S., emphasized that situations like Karina's are not uncommon. Tracking down family members can take days, delaying the documentation and airfare arrangements. "The grief process is already devastating for the family," Weatherbee said, "and the wait only exacerbates their pain."
Weatherbee further highlighted the challenges of collecting the necessary documents. Family members in the originating country must coordinate with those in the place of death, often relying on translators. The involvement of consulates adds another layer of complexity, especially if the death occurred in an area without consular services.
The method of transporting ashes, whether through Canada Post or carrying them on a flight, is subject to varying regulations, including airline policies and international laws. Weatherbee explained that when a person is cremated, the funeral home provides a cremation certificate, which serves as proof of the cremation's time and location. As long as the ashes are in a porous container, the process is relatively straightforward.
However, full-body repatriations present different challenges and costs. The remains would need to be embalmed and shipped in a sealed container with the paperwork attached. This process, along with the additional container to surround the sealed one, can be expensive to arrange.
In Ukraine, Horobets explained, it is preferable to bury the body. "It involves international medical procedures and documentation, which can take months," she said. "By the time the body reaches Ukraine, it may not resemble the person's original appearance."
As a result, Karina's family has opted to cremate her once the medical examiner's work is complete. Her ashes will be sent to Ukraine through her former mother-in-law, who will personally deliver them.
Karina's death has left a profound impact on the Halifax Ukrainian community. Many have gathered to learn more about her life, ensuring her memory lives on. "On Karina's funeral day, people came to express their condolences," Horobets said. "They brought flowers, toys, and tea, sharing memories and listening to stories about who Karina was."
This story serves as a reminder of the complexities and emotions involved in sending remains abroad, especially in times of international conflict. It highlights the need for support and understanding for families navigating these challenging circumstances.
