September 12, 1950 – November 4, 2025
It is with profound sorrow that Kristen and Kyle Poluyko announce the passing of their beloved mother, Carla Poluyko, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at age 75 following a sudden and aggressive illness. Carla was born to Peter and Tanya Hladysh on September 12, 1950 in Fort William, Ontario. She was educated at St. Martin Catholic Elementary School and Westgate Collegiate & Vocational Institute. Following her graduation, Carla entered the workforce in different capacities before settling into a position of Executive Secretary with Ontario Northern Development and Mines and later with the Office of the Registrar General. Carla married Edward Poluyko in 1973 and they enjoyed their time together and the births of Kristen and Kyle until Multiple Sclerosis quickly began to steal Edward away.
Carla’s own struggles with health issues, including surviving a brain tumour and injuries sustained in a massive car accident, were encumbering though she always battled onwards in fierce dedication to her children. Despite much pain and challenges, Carla never backed down from a challenge and raised her two children on her own with unconditional love and support for their every endeavour. Carla was strong and stubborn, brassy and bawdy though without a single negative bone in her body. She had empathy for so many people and always did what she could to lift others up. She fought for the underdog as she was an underdog herself. Following early retirement in the 1990s, Carla served her community alongside her mother by sitting on committees at the Ortona Legion, working tirelessly to secure overdue benefits for veterans and their surviving spouses, and accompanying seniors to appointments and on errands throughout the city. Carla was the first parent to sit on an anti-bullying committee at St. Patrick High School, and stood in staunch support of LGBTQ+ youth. If any of her children’s friends had difficulties at home, Carla always provided a hot meal and a safe place to laugh, cry, and sleep.
Continuing on in celebration of Carla’s life are her children, Kristen and Kyle Poluyko; brother David (Joyce) and sister Megan (Herb); nieces and nephews Bill Mermans, Stacy Brown, Melyssa Stoute and Melany Rockbrune; beloved aunt Kathleen Orok; cousins Susan Korol, Diane Moore, Kathy Tsuboushi, Deb Gordon, Karen Heatley and Michele Hicks; sisters in forever laughter and love Heather Adams and Heather Brown, and long-time and treasured friends Elaine Anderson, Linda Lamplot, and Teri Roarco. Numerous other relatives and friends remember Carla with pronounced love and appreciation.
Carla was predeceased by her husband Edward; parents Peter and Tanya Hladysh, brother Bill Hladysh; nephew Eric Mermans; grandmother Annie Korol Goudin; aunts Anne Kingdon, Trudy Korol, and Irene Korol; and cousin Michael Korol.
Kristen and Kyle, along with their family, would like to express gratitude to Thunder Bay EMS and Fire Department for their rapid response and quick transport of Carla to TBRHSC. They extend their appreciation to Dr. Kevin Agostino and the nurses in Trauma and Critical Care, and deepest gratitude to Dr. Philip George, Dr. Armin Farahvash, and stalwart nurses Sarah and Adam in the ICU. Wholehearted regard and respect to Dr. Jeremy Mozzon who provided patient and thorough care for Carla as her family physician, improving her quality of life in the last three years. Special thanks to Pastor Lionel Ketola who came to the ICU to offer a blessing over Carla and share a prayer with the family.
In accordance with Carla’s wishes cremation has taken place. She did not want funeral services but a celebration of life will occur at a later date. Arrangements have been in the amazing care of Kihannah Perala and the staff at Northwest Funeral Alternative Inc. Carla wished for those who were able to make a donation in her name to a local dog rescue, or charity close to their heart.
