Brackenridge author chronicles mother's immigration from Slovakia

Karolina Hrustinec was abandoned in Slovakia at 9 years old, left in the care of an aunt and forced to forge her way as a farmhand until she could follow her parents to the United States nine years later.

“The war broke out, but she made her way to Creighton, a land she didn’t know with a language she didn’t speak,” said her daughter, Yvonne Valasek Jungle.

“Three days later, she got a job with PPG and never left.”

Jungle, 85, a Brackenridge native and first-time author, shares the compelling story of her mother’s immigration from Europe in her book, “Karolina.”

She will give a free presentation April 10 at the Community Library of Allegheny Valley in Harrison.

Jungle described the tale as a timeless call to strength and faith.

“My mother’s grief was so intense that she would tell stories all the time,” said Jungle, who grew up on First Avenue with her seven siblings.

“Over the years, I would take notes and started to transcribe them. A dear friend, along with my daughter, both convinced me that it was a book waiting to unfold.”

Jungle began penning her book at age 84. It was released last year.

Tarentum historian Cindy Homburg organized the presentation after reading the book in one sitting.

“The life that Karolina had was unbelievable,” Homburg said. “I think the hometown people will find it interesting because Yvonne is a Brackenridge girl and people know the family name.”

Jungle’s parents spent their early years in a home along Normantown Road in East Deer before moving to Brackenridge. Her father, Michael, worked for Allegheny Ludlum, and her mother spent much of her time volunteering at St. Joe’s High School in Natrona, where the children attended.

Jungle said she drives past her family homes, which are still standing, when she visits from her home in Butler.

Julia Strzesieski, the library’s adult programs coordinator, said Jungle’s visit dovetails perfectly with the ethnicity of the Alle-Kiski Valley.

“So many of us share similar backgrounds of our grandparents and great-grandparents immigrating to the United States — especially from Slovakia, Poland and Eastern Europe,” Strzesieski said. “The fact that she is local and began writing in her 80s is also very inspiring.”

Jungle called “Karolina” a story of hope but also of abuse and love lost and found.

“I want to show people that no matter what’s happening, if you have spirituality, you can survive,” she said. “Sometimes you go through turmoil and you don’t know why.

“You have to continue to have faith.”