Obituary of Lena Shewchuk

The family of Lena Shewchuk sadly announces her passing on January 30th, 2017 at Mackenzie Place, Grande Prairie at the age of 87 years. Lena was born in Rycroft, Alberta, the 4th eldest of 9 children to parents Afansy and Annie Prystupa and attended school in Volin. The family then moved to Sexsmith in 1941 where “the land was better for cropping and cattle”. Lena left home in 1946, when she was 17 and moved to Toronto, joining her sister, Vera, and started working at a car factory. She returned to Sexsmith where she worked various jobs as a housekeeper. It was here she met a gentleman by the name of Anthony (Tony) Shewchuk. Tony had no car, and came courting on his Oliver tractor. They were married on August 5, 1951 and settled on a farm 15 miles west of Spirit River in Devale. Daughter, Donna joined the family in June of 1952 followed by son, Jim, in October of 1953. Lena is survived by her daughter Donna (Klaus) Isele, granddaughter Diane (Randy) Wrzosek, grandsons; Darren (Kristi) Isele, Kalvin (Mel) Isele; great grandsons Kohnor, Spenser, Jensen & Tyler; sister Sonia and brother Bill. She was predeceased by her husband, Anthony, her parents Afansy and Annie Prystupa, son Jim Shewchuk, one sister and 5 brothers. A Celebration of Life for Lena Shewchuk will be held at Mission Heights Church of Christ, 8321 Mission Heights Drive, Grande Prairie on Wednesday, February 8th at 11am. A viewing will be held prior at 10am. Everyone is invited to join the family for a luncheon and fellowship following the service with interment to follow at the Devale Cemetery. Donations in memory of Lena Shewchuk may be made to the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation/Mackenzie Place, 10409-98 Street, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2E8. Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home (780)830-7742 www.bearcreekfuneral.com