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With heavy hearts and great sadness we announce the passing of Lena.

After a brief struggle with inoperable cancer Lena passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side.

Predeceased by her mother Aliina and father Konstantin, she will be lovingly  remember

by her  children,  Shaun and  Seija,  and grandchildren, Ella  and Tyler.

She leaves behind her sisters Leila, Maija, Riitta and brother Antti.

Lena was born in Karvia, Finland and came to Canada  in 1957 with her family settling in Kingston, Ontario. The family moved to Port Arthur and St. Catherines, Ontario, where she graduated from high school. Lena was accepted by the Ontario College of Art, and lived for the duration in Toronto. Feeling the lure of adventure and possibility  she and a friend  made  their  way to the West  Coast. Here  she  met  her  future  husband  and  settled  in  Surrey,  B.C. While raising  a family, Lena studied  Sociology  and Anthropology at U.B.C.

Finding the attractions  of Vancouver  Island irresistible, the family moved to Nanaimo, where Lena joined the staff of the 'Nanaimo Association  for Community  Living'. She loved being a care giver and made  many lasting  friendship  there. As well as assisting  in the  Special  Education   program at Malaspina University,  Lena found time to do volunteer work within the community.

Lena enjoyed traveling with friends and family but her greatest passion  in  life were her  grandchildren. Her love of Birthdays and Christmas  were celebrated  with  joy, beautiful  decorations and  her  wonderful  cooking.  Her  house  was  a home  to all her friends  and her garden  a sanctuary  of beauty. Lena will lovingly be remembered for her kindness  and warmth  and as a devoted Grandmother.

Special  thank  you  to  her  family  physician  Dr. Grimes  and  all the nurses  and staff  of the Nanaimo  Regional  Hospital  Cancer Clinic and the staff and volunteers  of Nanaimo Regional Hospital Palliative  Care  Unit.

All  were most kind and helpful  during  a difficult time.

Flowers  are gratefully  declined. Should you wish please feel free to donate to any cancer research. No service by request.

Lena's  Celebration  of Life will be held January  6th, 2018 at 3:00 p.m., 1583 Sherwood  Drive, Nanaimo.



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