The Bylebyl Family
Laura M. Wolicka Bylebyl is the widow of Dr. Harry Bylebyl. Her parents were both born in Poland and were farm workers. They came to the United States in 1908-1910, settling first in Buffalo. Her father worked as a blacksmith in a fundry at first, and eventually was a bumper for Chevrolet. Laura was born in Buffalo in 1915. Her Uncle Roma
Laura attended School 62 in Buffalo, East High School, and earned a B.A. from D’Youville College in 1936, and studied to be a medical technician at UB in 1938.
As a child, Laura wanted to teach and work in a hospital. Her first job was as a clerk at Neisners in Buffalo. She gave her entire earnings to her parents until she started college. Her father had always stressed the importance of education. Her younger brother earned a PhD from Notre Dame University. She was a substitute math teacher at South Park High School. Her final job was as a technician in the pathology lab at the Erie County Medical Center.
Laura married Harry Bylebyl when she was 24 years old. They lived at first at 1153 Oliver Street, where her husband also operated his medical practice. Later, they built a home at 239 Christiana Street to be closer to DeGraff Memorial Hospital. She lived in that home for 53 years.
She served on the North Tonawanda School District’s Curriculum Planning Council for three years, and was a member of the Mothers Clubs at St. Joseph’s Church, Ascension Church, Calasanctius Preparatory School, Mt. St. Mary’s Academy, and Canisius High School.
With her husband, she was one of the founders of the DeGraff Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.
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