Lena Sawchenko

Sawchenko, Lena

(nee Hryhoryshen)

After an ongoing battle with various medical issues, Lena Sawchenko passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2011 at the Portage District General Hospital with family at her side at the age 96 years.

Lena, (Mom, Gram and Baba) will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Phyllis Bach of Whitehorse, Yukon and Gerry Little (Gary) of Portage; granddaughters Lisa (Kelowna ), Sandy (Reg.) Salmon Arm, Bruce (Julie)(Winnipeg); great granddaughters Molly and Sarah; brother Metro (Della); sisters Anne, Pauline and their families as well as many extended family and friends. Lena was predeceased by her husband Nick, sister Natalia, brother Jack and her parents Alex and Pearl Hryhoryshen.

Lena was born in Pine River, MB., were she attended school and worked on the family farm. After their marriage Lena and Nick lived in various locations across Canada before settling in Brandon, Manitoba where they owned and operated City Dry Cleaners for fifteen years. Following Nick's passing in 1965, Lena traveled to Harrison Hot Springs, B.C. to be the resident baker in her sister's restaurant. She was famous for her cinnamon buns, tarts and pies. In 1980 she moved to Portage where she resided in her own home on Queen Ave. for many years. In 2005 declining health resulted in a move to Regency House.

Lena was a talented businesswoman and seamstress. She enjoyed gardening and numerous crafts. She had a "green thumb"; friends as well as strangers would often stop to admire her rose garden. Lena never stopped learning. She was well known for her attractive and useful bags, crocheted from recycled plastic grocery bags. This new craft was learned at the age of 90. At the age of 93 she learned how to do Swedish weaving. In her earlier years she was also well known for her cooking and baking and cake decorating. She introduced and sustained the family in many of the Ukrainian traditions.

Lena had a wonderful sense of humour. She played Scrabble at a very high level, seldom losing a game. She read the newspaper from cover to cover every day and constantly discussed and questioned what she read or heard on the news.

Lena touched every one she met in a special way. She developed a special relationship with the home care workers who were an important part of her life over the last few years. She was fiercely independent; some would say "stubborn" at times. It was a quality that set her apart and gave her family many memorable moments. Baba was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren.

Lena was a member of the Trinity UCW and the Ruth Rebecca Lodge.

The family extends a heartfelt thanks to the staffs of Regency House, Home Care, Portage General Hospital and Trinity Church. Your empathy, patience and support are truly appreciated.

A Celebration of Lena's life will be held on Friday, July 22, 2011 at 10:00 am at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel led by Rev. Julie Baker.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so wish, a donation in Lena's memory may be made to Trinity United Church Memorial Fund, 15 Tupper Street S., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1W7 or a charity of your choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com