LEMKO, Jennie (Jean) Elizabeth
(nee Halkowich)
1936 – 2021
Our beloved Mom, Jean Lemko, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 8, 2021 at the age of 84. We are forever grateful to have been there in her final hours.
She leaves to mourn her sons Jerrold (Anita) Lemko, Jamie Lemko and her daughter Sharon (Michael) Bohaychuk. As well she leaves six grandchildren who were the light of her life, Johnathon (Leslie), Shawn (Amanda), Julie (Brendan), Steven (Brittany), Kaylee (Adam) and Parker. Nine great-grandchildren who always had the amazing effect of causing her eyes to sparkle, will miss her immensely, Jacob, Nate, Elise, Lark, Noelle, Felicity, Cherise, Jeannette and Lincoln. She is survived by her brother-in-law Robert Hrycuik, many nieces, nephews and friends.
Pre-deceasing her were her husband Johnny (1981), daughter Cathy (1994), parents Alex and Helen Halkowich, sister Ksenia Hrycuik and brother Orest Halkowich, as well as brothers-in-law Mike Lemko, Dan Marciniuk and sisters-in-law Olga Marciniuk and Wilma Lemko.
Born in Hafford, Saskatchewan, she married Johnny in 1954. They raised their family in Hafford, Winnipegosis, Manitoba, Viking and finally Holden, Alberta. Mom moved to Vegreville after Dad’s passing. She was a homemaker for many years, worked in the Holden Lodge as the Head Cook, Alberta Hotel, Homecare worker and volunteer extraordinaire. She was a proud member of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League and served many years heading up cooking teams at church. She did not hesitate to share her famous culinary skills and would teach the fine art of Ukrainian cookery to many, including members of the Ukrainian Bilingual program. Her delicious pyrohy once filled the interior of the Stanley Cup in a fun filled photo opportunity. She made many lifelong friends who travelled with her on adventures which could include dancing, Bingo, shopping or sight-seeing.
In our minds, the most significant lesson we learned from Mom is how to care for others, especially the less fortunate or lonely. We would often be sent to deliver food, fetch groceries, shovel sidewalks or garden for elderly neighbors. She was generous and would pay for meals for the hungry who appeared at the back door of the restaurant where she worked and she donated what she could to Inner City causes. Her legacy will live on.
Given the Covid-19 restrictions, a private Divine Liturgy officiated by the Basilian Fathers will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s name may be made to the “Alberta Cancer Foundation” or to the charity of one’s choice.
Jean’s family wishes to extend their heartfelt thank you to Dr. Strydom, nurses and staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Vegreville for their excellent and compassionate care. Thank you also to the staff at the Vegreville Homestead Lodge. “There are Angels amongst us”.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Jean Elizabeth Lemko 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Vegreville, Province: Alberta