LENA SYMYNYSHEN

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LENA SYMYNYSHEN (nee MARCHUK) September 18, 1917 - February 17, 2015 Peacefully in the early morning of February 17, 2015 Auntie Lena passed away in her sleep, at the Arborg Personal Care Home, at the age of 97. Left to cherish in memory who was like a mom to her niece Ann Wasyliw (John), great-nephew Evan (Trinda), and great-niece Amanda. Also, nephew Jim Symynyshen (Mary) and his family, and Marion Stobert and her family. Predeceased by her parents John and Olena Marchuk, husband Mike (1985), and all of her brothers, sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews. Lena was born on September 18, 1917 on the family farm in Rembrandt. She was the 13th child of her family, she was also the last and oldest survivor of the Marchuk family. Auntie worked at various jobs including: sewing factories, farms, cleaning, and at age 72 worked for Frances' catering until she broke her ankle. She married Mike Symynyshen in March of 1943 in Windsor, Ontario then moving back to Manitoba to be with family in 1945 when they bought the farm in Silver, Manitoba. They were married for 42 years until 1985 when Mike passed away. In 2008 Auntie moved into the Assisted Living in Arborg. She still had her drivers license till the age of 91. Her health was not good, she had asthma at an early age and could not go into the barn to help with chores. She had 14 surgeries throughout her life. Auntie never had children but loved all of her nieces and nephews like they were hers. Numerous nieces and nephews stayed with Auntie Lena and Uncle Mike as they grew up over the years. She was active in the community with St. John the Baptiste Ukrainian Catholic Church and cemetery of Silver, Manitoba, she was a 4-H leader, volunteered at fundraisers for Silver hall, and numerous events in the community. Anyone that came to see Auntie Lena never left hungry; she always made sure you ate something, even if you weren't hungry. The Ukrainian traditions were very important to her, especially Christmas and Easter and would bake the best paskas. Everyone was always calling her for baking instructions and recipes, even at the Personal Care Home the cooks would ask her questions about cooking to make it taste better. Auntie Lena was an Auntie to everyone. The family would like to thank Dr. Siddiqui and staff at Arborg Hospital and Arborg Personal Care Home for their care and compassion given to Auntie over the years. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Silver Hall in Silver, Manitoba on Saturday February 21, 2015. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Lena's memory to the Arborg Personal Care Home or Silver Cemetery. Forever in our hearts Vichnaya Pamyat MacKenzie Funeral Home Stonewall 1-204-467-2525 mackhome@mts.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 20, 2015