Leshia Zabudney

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our Mother and Baba.

Born Alexandra Hrynewich in Winnipeg who was known as Leshia by the school nuns and eventually had her name permanently changed to Leshia, attended St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School, Tech Voc, then Success Business College.  Mom worked various jobs in Winnipeg including Provincial Government and Wheat Board.  Mom was gifted with being a natural thick-haired red head that women would do anything to have.   She unfortunately was not fond of so did the harsh blonde bleaching back in the 70's.  Anyone who knew her from those early days always remind us of the beautiful hair she had.

Mom met her soon to be husband, Steve Zabudney from Foley, wed on June 15, 1963 and moved to a farm in Sandy Hook.  Relocated to Gimli in 1973 and remained in Gimli until her passing.

Mom worked at Johnson Memorial Hospital for over 45 years as well as working banquets at the Aspen Park Hall in the mid to late 70's.  After retiring, Mom decided to work again part time at the hospital and Gimli Betal.

Predeceased by her immigrant parents Sophie and John Hrynewich, her husband, Steve and her brother, Orest.  Mom leaves behind her son John (Barbara), daughter Sandra (Glen)Kantyluk and grandchildren, Brittany, Steven, Alexia, and Lennon.   Mom also leaves behind many extended family members including sister-in-law, Ester Cherniak and cousins/cousin-in-laws, Marta Kulczyckyi, Eugene, Gloria and Louise Szun as well as all the Burbank family in the USA. 

A big thank you to all of Leshia's countless friends and extended family that kept in touch and helped out when they could including many new friends she made at the Gimli West Apartments. All the local businesses in Gimi that we would visit, would always remind us to make sure we said "Hi" to our Mom on their behalf.

Moving to a farm after growing up in the city was a big culture shock, but she spoke of how welcoming Dad's family and friends were from day one.  Mom reminded us of the good old days when there was a dance every weekend at one of the community halls or Crabby Steve's and visiting all your friends/family was done on a constant basis. 

We would also like to send a big thank you to a very dear and longtime friend,  Doris Lloyd.  Their friendship began by living close to one another on the farm, then becoming next door neighbors in Gimli.  Thank you, Doris, for everything you did for Mom.

Thank you to all the staff at Gimli Hospital/Ambulance/Gimli Home Care as well as Dr. R.C. Patel and Dr. Sarah Blelloch who all provided care to Mom when needed over the years.

As per Mom's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery in West St. Paul at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mom's name may be made to any of the following:

Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church (Building Fund)  Box 1183 Gimli, MB R0C 1B0

St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church (Building Fund)  Box 266, Gimli, MB R0C 1B0

St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church (Building Fund)737 Bannerman Ave. Wpg., MB R2X 1J9

VICHNAYA PAMYAT