We Remember
BAZUIK, Lena
December 7, 1923 — August 18, 2020
Lena Bazuik (née Chypyha) was born in Playmore, Saskatchewan on December 7, 1923. She was the oldest girl in a family of 11 children. Mom knew how to work and play and she did both with passion, dedication and enjoyment. Mom worked at the local high school in South Porcupine, Ontario, and was loved by the staff and students. She worked tirelessly raising money for a new church in Kelowna, BC by organizing and cooking traditional Ukrainian food for bake sales. Mom was a team player and made everyone look better on her team.
She was passionate about family first. Her cooking and baking became legendary over the years, and family dinners were feasts! In the summer, Mom could be found near the top of the cherry trees where the choicest cherries were found. When fishing, Mom would catch the most and the biggest. A forty pound chinook leads the parade. Mom loved to play cards and she was proficient and competitive to say the least.
At Mount St. Mary Hospital, Mom was able to follow her strong faith in God. She attended the Chapel at every opportunity. She joined the choir, the band, the Christmas play, exercise groups and the Friday art class. At age 94, Mom became an artist and created show stopping paintings. Mom became the poster girl for elder care and was featured in a number of publications.
She will be missed!
Lena is predeceased by Steve, her husband of 67 years, her sister Shirley, brothers, Bill, Alex, Peter, Nick and Delbert. She is survived by sisters, Carrie, Silvia, Elinor, and Josie. She is also survived by her children – Gary (Marina), Linda, Jim (Debbie); grandchildren – Shelly, Savanna, Keegan (Ralph), Blaise (Russ), James (Kelly), Erika (Sol), Robert (Crystal), Michael (Lisa); great-grandchildren – Kailen, Kirin, Sasha, Cruz, Camila, Valentina, Dre, Sophia, Jada, Cash, Von, and Nora-Lena. As well as many nieces and nephews.
Our everlasting thanks goes to the administration, medical staff, and care workers at Mount St. Mary Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lena’s memory to Mount St. Mary Hospital, Victoria, BC.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 28, 2020, at 2:00 pm at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held in Kelowna BC at a future date.
The family would like to invite all who want to pay their respects to join by livestream on Friday, August 28, 2020, at 2:00 pm PDT. (see below)
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
Friday, August 28, 2020, at 2:00 pm
Location
Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery
My deepest condolences to the entire Bazuik family. I remember Mrs Bazuik as a very warm, wise, gentle soul. May cherished memories comfort you all.
Jim and Family :
Our deepest Condolences to you and your family in the loss of your Mom ; Mother-in-law ; Grandmother ; and great granny . Although she lived a full life it is never easy on saying goodbye especially in these difficult Covid times . You can have solace in knowing that she now dwells in a better place . Take Care and God Bless
Patty and Tom Faught
Sincere condolences to the entire family. May she rest in peace and may the memories sustain you during this difficult time
Our condolences to Gary, Linda, Jim and families on your loss. The memories of our families getting together will be fondly remembered. Your mom and dad were always special to us and will hold a place in our hearts.
Jo-Ann and I are saddened to hear of Lena’s passing. She was a true lady in every way. I have fond memories of Lena as Jim and I grew up to together, challenging her patience at times….well most times. Our thoughts are with the family.
Love, John & Jo-Ann
My condolences to the entire family. Mrs. Bazuik sounds like she was an amazing lady and I know she will be sorely missed.
I knew her in my childhood when we all lived in Pottsville. She was a lovely woman. My sincere condolences to Linda, Gary, and Jim. May she rest in peace.
Would like to send my condolences to all the Bazuik Family.
I remember Mrs. Bazuik as a very beautiful woman. This was obviously true on the inside too. She filled a great space in her time here. Our deepest sympathies.
Martin and I are so sorry To hear of your Mum’s passing, Gary. Our condolences to you and your family. Sending love.
Linda, Jimmy, Gary … what a lady your mom was! Sorry for your loss, Walter
Dear family, My heart weeps for the loss of your mom and Baba.. I will cherish memories of Lena which most always included laughter and deliciously prepared meals that she pulled off with seemingly no effort. Always hospitable and fun, always kind and generous. She overcame her health challenges with determination and focus and inner strength. She never gave up! Her faith in God was deep. She loved her family, all of you, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren! She was proud of each you! I have the letter she wrote in 2018 reminding you of her love for you along with a copy of one of her paintings. I have a memory of cherry picking in Kelowna where the loaded lower branches weren’t good enough but she had to stretch to reach the best cherries on the highest branch! I will miss her being a phone call away. She always referred to me as her baby sister and I will miss hearing it! With deepest sympathy, love and prayers. Josie
Very sad to hear of aunt Lena”s passing. We will remember her as a wonderful lady with a remarkable will and an amazing spirit. An inspiration to all.
Our heart felt sympathy. She will be sorely missed.
Sincere condolences to you Debbie and Jim Basuik. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences to Gary, Linda, Jim and families in your loss. Joyce has fond memories of both Lena and Steve (her godparents) and the picnics and meals shared when the families got together. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
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Kind thoughts to all of Lena’s family. Lena was a very special lady who touched many lives including ours. We share many memories of RMSS days
and curling nights and bonspiels at the Dome Curling Club. Thoughts and prayers to all. Bev and Jim Malnerich
Jim , Gary , Linda & families , our sincere sympathy on the loss of your Mother. I remember her fondly as a caring & kind lady. We were all neighbours in Pottsville …
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Jim,Debbie, Gary, Linda and the entire Bazuik family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
So sorry for your loss.
My deepest wishes to all her family are that your memories of Lena bring you courage, and hope and all the qualities that she passed on to you. She was a dedicated, no-nonsense woman, worker and friend. She lived her life fully and well. My prayers are with you all.
To Linda, Gary, Jim and Families;
Sending sincerest condolences on behalf of my family for the loss of your beloved mom and Baba. Some of my fondest childhood memories before my mom (Aunt Lena’s sister Shirley) passed away so many years ago were spent with Aunt Lena and Uncle Steve at their house in Winfield and at Kalamalka Lake having fun and always eating (so much) amazing food. I remember stuffed salmon on the bbq and Aunt Lena’s cabbage salad as absolute favourites (I am so thankful she sent me the recipe years ago in her beautiful handwriting). She had a wonderful laugh and was always so warm and welcoming (and she gave great hugs). She was a source of love and strength for our family in the days and weeks after my mom passed away and I was always grateful for that. Truly a wonderful lady. Wishing you all strength and peace during this difficult time.
With Love,
Darci & Andrew Burgess (Cameron, Adam & Ryan too)
Gary, Linda, Jim & Families-
We are saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was such a gracious, thoughtful lady. I have many fond memories of Aunt Lena and Uncle Steve’s many visits to Saskatchewan. Condolences to you all.
Dear Gary, Linda and Jim and Deb. So sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. A beautiful Lady who I must say had a wonderful journey. May you cherish the wonderful memories.
Our deepest sympathies and condolences to you and yours. Aunt Lena was very much loved by both Mom and I. We both have fond memories of visiting her and Uncle Steve in Kelowna as well as other great times. She will be very much missed. With much love, Elinor & Hugh
My deepest condolences to all her family and friends. I think what I remember Most is her smile and laugh. It was contagious. Her love for family and how having any of them around made her smile. She was a rock after my Mom passed away. I loved looking through the pictures and videos that were posted. i too was lucky enough to get that amazing cabbage salad recipe. I think I’d eat a jar of it myself. My heart aches for you all but her memory will live on in so many.
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Thinking’ of you and trust that memories of a lifetime of love and caring will be of comfort. Thinking of you today and always, love Aunt Sylvia and family
Our condolences to the Bazuik family…It is with heartfelt sadness in the loss of a wonderful lady, inside and out! She was not only my friend, sister but like a mother. She modeled many wonderful traits – such an inspiration! She will be missed but never forgotten! We will cherish all the amazing memories! We will light a candle in honor of her memory!!
Love always,
Carrie Peter Chypyha and family