Obituary of Lena Panchuk
The Family of Lena Panchuk of Yorkton, widow of John Panchuk sadly announce her passing on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Lena was 95 years of age.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 3:00p.m. from Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre.
CLICK HERE for Live Stream beginning at 2:45p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials donations in memory of Lena Panchuk may be made to a Yorkton Music Festival Scholarship (P. O. Box 743 Yorkton, Saskatchewan S3N 2W8) or to The Health Foundation for Patient Connectivity (41 Betts Ave., Yorkton, Sask. S3N 1M1) as gifts of remembrance.
Lena Panchuk was born on March 5, 1929, on a farm near Burgis, Saskatchewan. She was the second daughter of the three girls born to William and Agnes Demchuk. Lena began her early education at West Wexford School. At age 10, Lena attended Victoria School once the family moved to Yorkton. She completed her education at the Yorkton Collegiate Institute in 1946. Lena’s favourite subject in school was Home Economics, and singing in the school choir sparked a love of music. This love grew into supporting the musical endeavors of her children and a long association with the Yorkton Music Festival, where she participated and served on various committees. In 1993, she was honoured with the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Saskatchewan and Yorkton Musical Festival Associations, a testament to her long-standing commitment to the festival, ensuring a positive musical experience for the young people of Yorkton.
In 1950, Lena married John Panchuk, her loving and devoted partner of 52 years. He established the Husky Service Centre and Bulk Station in 1956, where Lena took on the role of bookkeeper for 35 years. During those years, the success of their business earned them opportunities to travel worldwide on trips to Japan, Greece, Hawaii, Bermuda, Mexico City, and several European countries. These were treasured experiences. The family also fondly remembers summer holidays at Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park.
Lena’s home was a reflection of her love and care. She always welcomed family and friends with delicious meals, dainties, and desserts. Her kitchen was not just a place for cooking, but a hub of activity and laughter. Lena cherished lively visits with friends over meals. She excelled at playing Bridge and was grateful for friends who shared her passion for the game. She was also an avid gardener and found great joy in maintaining beautiful flower beds. Her efforts were recognized by the Yorkton Horticultural Society when 83 Logan Crescent West received an award for Best Home Grounds.
Lena was a true pillar of the community, dedicating herself to numerous volunteer roles. Her dedication was recognized and deeply appreciated, as evidenced by the Certificates of Appreciation she received from the Canadian Red Cross, The Health Foundation of East Central Saskatchewan, Yorkton and District Nursing Home, and Tourism Yorkton. Her active participation in the local Pythian Sisters Temple, where she eventually took on the office of Grand Chief from 1982 – 1983, was a significant part of her life. She was proud of the many public service projects this organization contributed to Yorkton, a testament to her commitment to her community. Lena was also an active member of St. Andrews United Church and served as Sunday School supervisor and on various other committees to facilitate its ongoing operation.
Above all, Lena treasured her family. She was so proud of her three daughters, a devoted grandmother to 6 grandchildren, and their 3 precious great-grandchildren. She was most joyful when her family was together celebrating special occasions. She was especially pleased that her Ukrainian heritage continues to be passed along through each generation with the unique dishes honouring her heritage. Lena stayed connected to her family and friends worldwide by using computers, iPads, and Facebook. She was in awe of the power of technology to connect her to people and her passions.
Lena passed away on March 7, 2024, two days after her 95th birthday. She was predeceased by her parents and sisters, Victoria and Olga. Lena leaves to cherish her memory: daughter Gayle (Don) Jenner, Calgary, Alberta; their children Robert (Terri) and Krista-Dawn (Joel) and their children Judah and Gabriella; daughter Gwendolyn Filippelli, Surrey, British Columbia; her daughters Dianna and Jocelyn (Chris), and their son Theodore; and daughter Sheri-Dawn (Reg) Robinson, Waterloo, Ontario, and their sons Ross and Lucas.
Mom, you are truly an inspiration for a life well lived!
