Parcourez la nécrologie de Zena Stephaniuk nee Whyhowsky 2024 résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles
Zena Stephaniuk (nee Whyhowsky) Obituary
Zena Stephaniuk (Whyhowsky), beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2024, at Haliburton Highlands Hospital at the remarkable age of 98. Born on September 2, 1925, in Prague, Czechoslovakia, Zena’s life was a testament to resilience, love, and an enduring spirit.
Zena’s early years were marked by the tumult of World War II. As the eldest of four siblings— late Stephanie Mostensky-Boris Rochester NY, Helen Whyhowsky-Novar, Ontario, and late Andrew Wells-Elaine, North York, Ontario—her family faced displacement and hardship. After fleeing Germany, they were rescued by the Canadian Army and brought to Brussels, Belgium. It was in this new land that Zena met her future and late husband, Reverend Archdeacon Paul Stephaniuk, at church. They married in 1945 in Brussels, and Zena became one of the first war brides to travel to Canada aboard the RMS Mauritania, docking at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her journey continued by train to Toronto, Ontario as the first Ukrainian war bride, where she began a new chapter in her life, building a family and making Canada her home.
A supportive wife and dedicated church member, Zena was known for her kindness, hard work, and unwavering care for those around her. Her passion for family was evident in everything she did, especially in her love for her children, the late Lloyd Stephaniuk and Roma Stephaniuk, Bill Stephaniuk and Donna Wilcox, Mary and the late David Longstaff, the late Anne Stephaniuk and Timothy Stevens. Grandchildren- Stacey and David Verlander, Nicholas Longstaff and Jeffrey Peng, Justin Stephaniuk, Andrea and Chad McKee, Tanya, and Brad Higgin, James and Heather Stephaniuk, Erica and Shane Lynn, Christopher and Shanti Longstaff and Lexi- Blue Stevenson. Her nephew, Micheal McErlain and nieces Lucy Vichowski and Lydia Aeillo and 16 great-grandchildren. She was a source of joy and inspiration, delighting in the company of her family and taking great pride in her Ukrainian heritage.
Zena was a vibrant and progressive woman with a zest for life. She loved driving through the country, savoring the beauty of the landscapes and was a lifelong advocate for staying active and engaged. Her love for Ukrainian traditions was best expressed through her skillful preparation of perogies, borscht, and cabbage rolls, always family favourites. She was dauntless and caring, qualities that endeared her to all who knew her.
Her diverse talents included speaking seven languages, a testament to her intellectual curiosity and dedication to learning. Zena had dreams of teaching physical fitness and pursued education at the University of Berlin in science, reflecting her progressive mindset. Even well into her 40s, she enjoyed playing volleyball, demonstrating her enduring enthusiasm for sports.
An ardent follower of classical music and a daily viewer of Ukrainian TV, Zena found joy in dancing and immersing herself in her cultural roots. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her through the trials and triumphs she encountered.
Zena Stephaniuk’s life was a remarkable journey of resilience, love, and dedication. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her vibrant spirit, her distinctive flair for wearing lipstick, and her memorable quirk of not tipping at restaurants. Her legacy is reflected in the love and cherished memories she created, particularly during her last four years at the Gardens of Haliburton. Zena’s influence on her family and community will be lasting and profound.
Farewell, Zena Warrior Princess!
Private Funeral Arrangements
A celebration of Zena’s extraordinary life will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that at your next restaurant meal, please leave a generous tip in memory of Zena. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the HALIBURTON COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME 13523 Hwy. #118, Haliburton, Ontario (705) 457-9209.
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2024
Décès pour la Ville:Haliburton, Province: Ontario
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nécrologie Zena Stephaniuk nee Whyhowsky 2024
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