Mariya Briseis Chyslitska (Masha)
“There is no footprint too small to leave an imprint on this world, and brave little Mariya truly left a big imprint on so many people.”
November 11th, 2024 – Forever three.
Norma Chyslitska – Loving Mother
Dmytro Chyslitskyi – Caring Father
Norma Navejar – Devoted Maternal Grandmother
Olga Chyslitska – Dear Paternal Grandmother
Mariya Briseis Chyslitska was born on August 7, 2021. She was everything her mother had ever dreamed of and brought so much life and joy to her family. From the moment she came into the world, Mariya was a brave little fighter, spending six days in the NICU before coming home strong and ready to take on the world.
As Mariya grew, her curiosity knew no bounds. She loved to explore and was a natural adventurer, thriving outdoors. Disney princesses were her absolute favorite—she had many princess gowns, but her Elsa and Moana dresses were her most cherished. She loved singing “Let It Go” and “I Am Moana (Song of the Ancestors)” while twirling joyfully in her dresses. Mariya adored the playground. She and her mother spent countless summer days visiting different parks where she could run, play, and explore. She loved going down slides, being pushed on swings, and playing with other kids. Daily evening walks with her mother became a cherished routine, where Mariya explored her surroundings from the comfort of her stroller, her mother lovingly pushing her along. At home, Mariya loved relaxing on the couch with her favorite blanket while watching Disney movies. The Nightmare Before Christmas was her current favorite. She also had a deep love for Halloween. This year, her mother decorated the house in a fun Halloween theme, and each night they watched festive movies like Hocus Pocus, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Trick-or-treating was pure joy for Mariya—she loved dressing up and collecting candy.
Above all, Mariya loved her mother dearly. Their bond was unbreakable. She always wanted to be held, comforted, and doted on by her mom. At night, Mariya often climbed into her mother’s bed, cuddling close. Mariya was the light of her mother’s life, her pride and joy, and will be deeply missed.
For ten months, Mariya bravely fought cancer, with her mother steadfastly by her side. She was never alone and deeply loved. Mariya took her final breath earthside in her mother’s loving arms, with her father holding her hand. Her mother shared, “She took a big piece of my heart and soul with her, but she was so loved, and knowing she is no longer suffering brings me comfort.” Mariya’s mother wishes for her to be remembered not for her illness but for her incredible bravery, strength, and resilience. She was a true princess, a warrior princess who fought valiantly and won hearts everywhere.
“My sweet little girl, it was an honor to be your mother. Thank you for everything. I love you to the end of the universe and back, and I cannot wait to see you again. Until then, I will see you in my dreams. Love, Mommy.”
Thank you all for your overwhelming love and support.
A wake for Mariya will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin. Guests are encouraged to wear something colorful instead of black. In honor of Mariya’s love for Disney princesses, feel free to wear bright princess colors or even a princess-themed shirt.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following pediatric cancer organizations that supported Mariya and her mother during their journey:
The Super Jake Foundation
The Pinky Swear Foundation
Cory’s Project
Special Places Wisconsin
These organizations meant the world to Mariya’s family, and giving back to them would be a beautiful way to honor her memory.