Immigrant Story of Strength Displayed at Orland Park Library

During the pandemic, Peter Bosy, a resident of Orland Park, explored his late parents’ immigration documents, letters, and photos. What he found transformed his understanding of their struggles and achievements. He compiled their story of triumph despite adversity into a compelling narrative.

This journey is showcased in an exhibit titled “Immigrants Journey,” currently featured at the Orland Park Public Library until November. Bosy describes the exhibit as a look into a realm of life many overlook. He emphasizes the significant contributions immigrants make, referencing his parents’ industrious nature.

“Because of what’s going on, it’s important. Are they (immigrants) worth having? My parents were very industrious.”

The exhibit chronicles Michael Bosyj and Eugenia Lopashchuk’s lives from 1942 to 1969. Both born in 1924, they were uprooted from their homes in Ukraine by the Nazis and coerced into labor on German farms. After World War II, they independently relocated to Canada, eventually meeting in Quebec and marrying in 1950. The couple lived in Windsor, Ontario, with Bosy’s father working as an asbestos miner and his mother on a farm.

In 1954, the family moved to Chicago, supported by Bosy’s paternal aunt and uncle, Katherine and Harry Harsyn. Settling in the Brighton Park neighborhood, Michael worked in maintenance and as a union painter, while Eugenia cleaned offices. The couple became American citizens in 1967, officially changing their family name from Bosyj to Bosy.

Bosy was particularly moved by a 1956 letter his father wrote to his aunt and uncle, expressing the challenges in Canada and anticipation of relocating to Chicago. This was one of many revealing pieces Bosy discovered that deepened his understanding of his parents’ experiences.

“I put things together I didn’t know,” he said. “This has been a really interesting process.”

His parents seldom spoke about their hardships, often remarking about the difficult transition to Chicago. Despite their struggles, they provided Bosy with unwavering emotional support. He credits them for his success as a photographer, noting their encouragement and cultural influence through the Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church parish.

Bosy began archiving his own life, reflecting on the cultural richness he experienced growing up. He acknowledges the critical role of the parish grade school, where nuns recognized and nurtured his artistic talent.

“The nuns noticed I had talent and would have me do posters and fliers,” he said.

Bosy’s mother documented their family life through photography, a passion she supported in Bosy by providing necessary art supplies. His father’s practicality also influenced him; together, they worked on home projects, and his father helped renovate his first photo studio in 1980.

Mary Lynn Maloney, the library’s former Outreach Services assistant, suggested Bosy exhibit his work. The current staff has been supportive, acknowledging the universal and timeless nature of his family’s story.

“Peter Bosy’s family story is as ancient as it is universal — regular people fleeing extraordinary circumstances in the hope of living ordinary lives,” said Sarah Kleiva, community engagement manager at the library.

Bosy, named the library’s November Artist of the Month, will discuss the exhibit at a reception on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. at the library, located at 14921 S. Ravinia Ave.