LENA SLANISKY (nee Genoway), a woman whose perseverance was known to many, died peacefully in Lethbridge, Alberta on Friday, October 18, 2013, at the age of 99 years.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Peter Slanisky, her parents Joseph and Antonia Genoway, her sisters Genevieve (Walter) Muyres, Helen (Sid) Leuchowski, Emily (Edwin) Slugoski, brothers Anothe (Krystyna) Genoway, Edmund (Elsie) Genoway and Edward Genoway.
Lena is survived by her sons, Jonas (Shirley) Slanisky of Lethbridge, AB. and Jerrold (Diane) Slanisky of Mississauga, ON, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren, Christopher (Jenny) Slanisky and their children Taevz, Maddux and Evra ( Calgary, AB), Katherine (Brian) Page and their son Logan (Calgary, AB), Laura (Andrew) Houthuys (Lethbridge, AB) and Lena Slanisky ( Mississauga, ON). She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Elsie Genoway and Krystyna Genoway, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Lena was born February 16, 1914, in Rama, Saskatchewan, the third child in a family of seven. She loved growing up on the farm with her sisters and brothers and even after leaving Rama, she made many visits back “home” to visit family and friends. One of her joys was the time spent visiting around the kitchen table with loved ones.
During WW II, Lena left Rama for Fort William, ON. Here she joined the war effort as a “Rosie the Riveter”, constructing airplanes in the Canada Car plant. It was in Fort William (Thunder Bay) that she met Peter Slanisky, also a Saskatchewan transplant. Lena and Peter were married in 1943. They spent all of their married life in Thunder Bay where they raised their sons Jonas and Jerry.
Lena loved everything to do with gardening and could make anything grow from the tiny slips she was always gathering. It was always a surprise to see the colour scheme she would choose for her front yard flower display. The back yard would consistently yield a huge harvest of fruits and vegetables.
An avid supporter of Our Lady of Loretto Parish in Thunder Bay, she participated in many activities at the church. In particular, Lena enjoyed her work with the Catholic Women’s League for which she was honoured with a lifetime membership.
In the late 1990’s, Lena decided to leave the family home in Thunder Bay to come to Alberta to be closer to family. She stayed with Anothe and Krystyna for a time and later settled in Lethbridge.
Lena lived in her own home in Lethbridge for several years where she continued to enjoy her indoor plants and outdoor gardening. In 2005, Lena went to live at the Good Samaritan West Highlands Centre, where she resided until her passing.
A Prayer Service for Lena will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB., Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 7:00 pm.
A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Friday, October 25, 2013 at ST. BASIL'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 - 13th St. N, Lethbridge, AB., at 11:00 A.M. Reverend Nathan Siray, Celebrant.
Interment to follow at a later date in Thunder Bay where Lena will be laid to rest in St. Andrew's Cemetery beside her husband Peter.
Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca
