November 29, 1934 – May 12, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Baba Lena Mandryk.
Lena passed away peacefully, surrounded by daughter Brenda and son-in-law Gino, at 4:30 in the afternoon on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Hogarth Riverview Manor.
Lena will be lovingly remembered as a vibrant, feisty woman who lived life fully and brought joy wherever she went. She was fun-loving, athletic, and endlessly social; the kind of person who made friends easily and made everyone feel welcome.
She was married to the love of her life, Willy, who predeceased her on December 12, 2013. Loving mother to her three children, Brenda (Gino) Pradal, Donna (John) McTavish, and Peter (Paula) Mandryk. She was “Baba Lena” to her grandchildren Leanna (William), Jeffrey (Jessica), Angela (Jonathan), Kelsey (Tyler), Sam (Symantha), Dana (Jason), Seth, Sean (Joseé), and Colin (Melanie), and great-grandchildren Olivia, Wyatt, Gus, Everly, Claire, and Edouard. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Richard (Leona) Mandryk, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Lena was born in Fort William in 1934. She attended Ogden School and Fort William Vocational Institute. She met her beloved husband, Willy, at the Ukrainian Youth Group (YMK), and they married on August 2, 1952. Willy and Lena had a wonderful life together and many years of laughter and celebration. Music was a large part of their lives. Home life was always filled with singing and dancing.
Together, Lena and Willy were known for opening their home to family and friends and hosting countless gatherings and celebrations over the years. They loved bringing people together, and their home was always filled with laughter, conversation, and warmth. The coffee pot was always on. No one ever left hungry.
Lena loved cooking. While growing up, Mom always had something in the oven. Her cabbage rolls, known to be the hit of every family and friends’ gathering, and homemade cinnamon rolls (mmmmm!) are the two that will be missed the most.
They created a home where everyone felt comfortable, welcomed, and part of the family.
Lena and Willy lived most of their lives in Thunder Bay, but in 1972, Willy was transferred to Winnipeg, where they lived until 2002, when they returned to Thunder Bay. Lena, in her younger years, was an avid athlete and was always involved in some sport, baseball, curling, and bowling, just to name a few.
Lena worked as a bookkeeper for many years, in both Thunder Bay and Winnipeg. She built lasting friendships throughout her life and career. She worked for Dr. Dodick, the Federal Government, the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, and later alongside Don Asselin at Ambassador Sales. She was hardworking, capable, and well-liked everywhere she worked.
Her Ukrainian heritage remained an important part of her life. She and Willy would often switch into Ukrainian while speaking with each other, thinking the kids had no idea what they were saying. Of course, we understood more than they thought—something that still makes us laugh today.
Once Willy passed, and as she aged, she had to move from her apartment to Sister Lila Greco and then to Hogarth Riverview Manor, where she resided for her final years. Thank you to the amazing doctors, nurses, and staff at Hogarth Riverview Manor for all you did for our Mom and Baba Lena.
Mom will be deeply missed by her children, Brenda, Donna, and Peter, along with the many family members and friends whose lives she touched throughout her life.
As per her wishes, she has been cremated, and a private interment will be held at a later date.
We love you.
Rest in peace, Mom ❤️
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
