November 29, 1934 – May 12, 2026
With heavy hearts, we share the news of our dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Baba Lena Mandryk’s passing.
Lena left us peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 4:30 PM at Hogarth Riverview Manor, surrounded by her daughter Brenda and son-in-law Gino.
She will be fondly remembered as a spirited woman who embraced life and spread happiness to everyone around her. Always up for fun, active in sports, and sociable; she had a knack for making friends and ensuring everyone felt included.
Lena was married to Willy, the love of her life, who passed away on December 12, 2013. She is survived by her three children: Brenda (Gino) Pradal, Donna (John) Mc Tavish, and Peter (Paula) Mandryk. She adored being “Baba Lena” to her grandchildren Leanna (William), Jeffrey (Jessica), Angela (Jonathan), Kelsey (Tyler), Sam (Symantha), Dana (Jason), Seth, Sean (Joseé), and Colin (Melanie), along with great-grandchildren Olivia, Wyatt, Gus, Everly, Claire, and Edouard. Her brother-in-law Richard (Leona) Mandryk and many nieces and nephews also survive her.
Born in Fort William in 1934, Lena attended Ogden School and Fort William Vocational Institute. She met her beloved husband Willy at the Ukrainian Youth Group (YMK) before they married on August 2, 1952. They shared a beautiful life filled with laughter and joy. Music was always present in their home with plenty of singing and dancing.
Willy and Lena welcomed family and friends into their home over the years for countless celebrations. Their gatherings were filled with laughter and warmth; no one ever went hungry as the coffee pot was always brewing.
Lena loved to cook. Growing up meant Mom always had something baking in the oven. Her cabbage rolls were famous at every gathering among family and friends-alongside those irresistible homemade cinnamon rolls that we’ll all miss dearly.
They made their home a place where everyone felt comfortable as if they belonged to the family.
While most of their lives were spent in Thunder Bay, Willy’s job took them to Winnipeg in 1972 until they returned to Thunder Bay in 2002. In her younger days, Lena enjoyed being active in sports like baseball, curling, bowling-she was always competing or playing something!
As a bookkeeper for many years in both Thunder Bay and Winnipeg she formed lasting friendships throughout her career. She worked with Dr. Dodick’s office as well as for the Federal Government and the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce before teaming up with Don Asselin at Ambassador Sales. Known for being hardworking and capable wherever she went-she was well-liked by all.
Her Ukrainian roots played an important role in her life; she often chatted with Willy in Ukrainian thinking we kids wouldn’t catch on-little did they know how much we understood back then-a memory that still brings smiles today!
After Willy’s passing-and as she aged-she moved from her apartment first to Sister Lila Greco’s place then later settled into Hogarth Riverview Manor during her final years there. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff at Hogarth Riverview Manor who cared so lovingly for our Mom/Baba Lena.
Mom will be missed tremendously by Brenda, Donna, and Peter plus all those family membersandfriends whose lives she touched throughout hers.
In line with her wishes, she has been cremated, a private interment will follow at another time.
We love you.
Rest in peace, Mom ❤️
Condolences may be made through www. nwfainc. com
