Background
Kucharek was born September 19, 1954 in Johnson City, New York and baptized in the Slovak language at Ascension Lutheran in Binghamton, New New York
Kucharek was born September 19, 1954 in Johnson City, New York and baptized in the Slovak language at Ascension Lutheran in Binghamton, New New York
She graduated from Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana, and earned her Master of Divinity and Master of Sacred Theology degrees at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Before her ordination as a pastor, (Sister) Kucharek was consecrated as a deaconess, serving parishes in Indiana and New New York Kucharek is the first woman of Slovak descent to become a bishop. Kucharek served on the board of the European Landscape Contractors Association"s Division for Global Mission for 5 years, and as its secretary from 2001 to 2002 when she resigned to accept a call as bishop.
In 2000 she was one five in a National Council of Churches Ecumenical Delegation of Women to North of Korea.
Among other ex officio offices Kucharek holds, she is on the board of trustees of Muhlenberg College. Kucharek is married to Thomas J. Drobena.
She and Drobena are co-authors of the book "Heritage of the Slavs," and translators of "Evangelical Churches in Slovakia" as well as authoring numerous other works and articles They are the parents of two sons: Thomas and Joshua.
Member American Red Cross (board directors 1986-1991), Slavic Heritage Institute (director, editor of Slovo), New England Lutheran History Society (secretary since 1991).
Married Thomas Drobena, December 27, 1980. Children: Thomas Samuel, Joshua Michael.