LENORE “JEAN” ZOLINSKI

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Lenore (Jean) Zolinski on May 4, 2025, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, at the age of 92.

Lenore was predeceased by her parents, Daniel and Annie Porayko; her step-father George Bergstrom; her brothers, Mike, John, Charlie; sisters, Marion and Winnie; and her beloved daughter Joanne. 

She is lovingly remembered by her sister Fran; her children, Brian (Barb), Bart (Elise), Ken (Helena), Elaine, and Curtis; as well as her grandchildren Trenton (Mimi), Amber (Conrad), Travis (Amanda), Devin (Shannon), Evan (Carleigh), Janel (Adam), Kalene, Clayton (Jessica), and their families. She also leaves behind seven treasured great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in Traverse Bay, Lenore ventured to British Columbia in 1948, where she worked and lived with her sister Winnie in Boston Bar. A few years later, she returned to Manitoba to work alongside her mother and step-father at a logging camp in Bird River. It was there she met and married John Zolinski. They made their home in Lac du Bonnet, where they built a life and welcomed six children into the world. But after the birth of their sixth child, John walked away, leaving her to face the future alone. In the quiet strength of a mother’s love, she rose to the challenge — raising her children with courage, grace, and unshakable resolve. Through hardship and heartache, she created a home filled with warmth, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion, all in the same town where their story first began.  She was known as a second mother to many of her children’s friends—her home and heart were always welcoming, her door open, and her table full.

Lenore had a deep love for cooking, nature, gardening and spending time with those she held dear. Once her children were grown, she moved to Kamloops to care for her ailing mother until her passing. Following that, she returned to Manitoba to be close to her family once more, devoting her time to instilling values to her cherished grandchildren by giving, supporting, and gently guiding them with unwavering patience and a loving heart.

Upon her return, Lenore worked for the Winnipeg School Division until her retirement. For the past 35 years, she lived in the same apartment building in Winnipeg, where she became a beloved and respected member of her community, forming lasting friendships with her neighbours.  She will be dearly missed by her best friends Big Evelyn, Little Evelyn and also Wendy and her family.

Lenore’s warmth, strength, resilience, and generous spirit will be deeply missed and live on in every life she touched. A true angel on earth.

A private family celebration of Mom’s life will be held at a later date.

Grieve Not For Me

Remember the best times, 

The laughter, the song.

The good life I lived 

While I was strong.

Continue my heritage, 

I'm counting on you,

Keep smiling and surely 

The sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, 

My soul is at rest,

Remembering all,

How I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, 

No matter how small,

Go on with your life, 

Don't worry about falls.

I miss you all dearly 

So keep up your chin,

Until the day comes 

We're together again.

- Author Unknown

Lenore’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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