LENA TANASYCUHK

On Thursday morning, July 30, 2020, the Servant of God, Lena Tanasychuk passed away peacefully at the Holy Family Personal Care Home at the age of 95.

Ten years ago, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's which, despite keeping her physically healthy, eroded her independence until she found a new home at the Holy Family Personal Care Home 6 years ago.

Lena was born at home on November 14, 1924, to her parents Jacob and Pauline Rekrut in Pansy, Manitoba. She was blessed with 6 siblings, 3 sisters and 3 brothers.

Lena left her parents’ home at 20 years of age to work in Winnipeg. Lena was a live-in nanny for the Huggard family in Charleswood. She would recount stories of her charge" little Ricky Huggard". I know that family really appreciated her.

She met her future husband, Wally Tanasychuk, at a dance at the Prosvita Hall in the north end. The story goes that Wally took one look at her and said that is the one for me, and the rest was history.

The two were united in Holy Matrimony at Sts. Vladimir & Olga Ukrainian Catholic church on June 7, 1947. The next day the party continued at the farm with a makeshift wooden dance floor thrown together for the occasion. They made their first home in a second story apartment in a house on Pritchard Ave, where they welcomed their first child, Margret in 1948. By the time they moved into a brand-new home in Windsor Park in 1958, the family had grown to include daughters; Terry and Marcy, and son Marvin.
 
Lena and Wally were long standing members of Sts Peter and Paul Parish from the time they moved into Windsor Park. Lena was an active member of the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League, she also worked at the Knights of Columbus bingo for many years, and she could always be counted on to help out at church teas, or perogy bees.

Lena was an avid homemaker; she loved to cook and continue the traditions of her Ukrainian culture and pass it down to her children and grandchildren.

In 1970, a summer cottage was acquired on Lee River. Lena and Wally spent every hour they could out there with their children, extended family and friends. Lena loved her little garden at the lake, often battling with the wildlife for its produce. Lena loved the outdoors, and spent her time at the lake taking nature walks, picking berries or mushrooms. Of course, Saturday night was not complete without a rousing game of Bid Whist.

Lena and Wally began to travel later in life, with trips to Hawaii with friends and family the 70's. They made several trips to Florida to visit Lena's sister, Nadia. In 1986 their daughter Terry moved to Mexico and Lena and Wally travelled to visit her and her family almost yearly for 14 years. As the true Ukrainian Baba that Lena was, she would bring her own Robin Hood flour and sour cream to make authentic perogies during the visit.

In January 2000, Lena lost the love of her life, Wally, after almost 52 years of marriage. They had something special, a love that endured and grew throughout the years. Lena often commented that she missed him every day.

Lena was predeceased by her parents, Jacob and Pauline Rekrut; sister, Nadia Decker; brothers, Paul, Peter and Bill; and her loving husband, Wally, of over 52 years who passed away in January 2000.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Margret(John), Terry, and Marcy (Rob); and her son, Marvin. Lena is also survived by her sisters, Irene (Ryan) and Jean; plus 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
 

Lena was a strong willed and determined woman. She loved her children and went o out of her way to help them in any way she could, whether it was babysitting, sound advice or a care package. You could never leave after a family gathering without being given some item of food to take home with you. Lena lead a long and active life, one of the best memories we have is of her dancing a polka with everyone she could on her 90th birthday. Lena made an impression on all who knew her and she will be dearly missed.

A tradition Ukrainian Funeral Service was held at Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church on August 8, 2020. Due to COVID, only immediate family attended the service and interment, accompanying her on her final journey.

Many thanks to the wonderful 4th floor staff at Holy Family Personal Care Home for the excellent care and devotion given to Lena during her life at her new home.

Lena’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by watching the photo-biography above. They also encourage the sharing of photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted in Lena's name for the Holy Family Personal Care Home, or the charity of your choice.

​

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

​