Lesia Lillian Szwaluk

It is with great sadness that the family of Lesia Szwaluk announces her passing on April 3rd, 2026, at the age of 75.

Lesia Szwaluk was born to Wolodymyr Bodnarchuk and Nina Bodnarchuk (Zuk) a year after they arrived in Canada on November 15, 1950. She attended St. Nicholas School (Immaculate Heart of Mary) for 10 grades, completing her high school at St. John’s High School. Mom married her wonderful husband Nelson Szwaluk just shy of 55 years on May 15th, 1971 they had two children, Oksana Szwaluk (Odin Pajonk) and Wolodymyr (Vlad) Szwaluk (Svitlana Szwaluk-Kies), and in 2021, they welcomed their grandson Luka Szwaluk. Also, back in 1971, she completed her licensed practical nursing program at Red River Community College and began her first job as a nurse working for Dr. S. Hrushovetz. She continued her nursing career until 1978, when she changed her job and began her 17-year career with the YM-YWCA. North branch, starting as a nursery school teacher, and ending her career as Branch Manager, a position she held for 10 years. She had the opportunity to provide training at the Early career Program for new employees for the YMCA, YM-YWCA in Canada and represented Canada as a trainer in Hungary in 1992. Upon the closing of the North Branch, Mom was employed on a term contract by the Province of Manitoba – Multicultural Secretariat. She moved to work at the Ukrainian Canadian Congress National as an executive assistant and acting executive director. In 2001, she became the Executive Director of the Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko until her retirement in 2019, a place she always said was her dream job.

At age 7, her parents registered her with the Ukrainian Youth Association CYM, where she remained active until her passing. She held various positions on a local and national level. Mom and her two children were often seen during the summer at CYM summer camps at Ukrainian Park. She had many opportunities to attend various camps throughout the world and had the chance to meet fellow CYM members around the world, and forged many lifelong friendships. Mom attended and took on a leadership role in organizing and being part of the komanda of various camps and provided leadership training to councillors in Ukraine. Mom took Ukrainian dancing at CYM and later taught dance at Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church and at St. Josaphat’s Ukrainian Church.  For several years, monthly she would travel to Shoal Lake, Manitoba, to teach dancing.

She was very involved in the Ukrainian community all her life. A member of the Advisory Board of Holy Family Home, Advisory member of the Osvita Foundation, President, Board and Advisory member of the Manitoba Parents of Ukrainian Education. Chair and parent member of Ralph Brown School – bilingual program where her children attended the English-Ukrainian Bilingual Program. She was one of the founding members of Sadok Veselka, Board member of the National Ukrainian Canadian Congress and served on the following committees: Canada-Ukraine Relations committee, Constitution committee, Strategic Planning committee, Holodomor committee, and Finance committee. For 20 years she was President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Manitoba Provincial Council, organizing many events, meeting many distinguished guests, including the President of Ukraine Mr. Victor Yuschenko. She was actively involved over the years with the Ukraine-Kyiv Pavilion. Actively she participated as a Board member for the Manitoba Ukraine Advisory Council, and served as President of the Ukrainian Canadian professional and Business Club of Winnipeg for two years. Mom was involved over the years as President and treasurer of Canadian Ukrainian Institute Prosvita. She was also chair of the Ukrainian Adoption Services UAS Eastern European Adoptions for 10 years. Mom also served on the Kino Fest Committee and the Ukrainian Women’s Council.

Mom was not only involved in the Ukrainian community; she was involved in the general community, serving on many boards. She chaired the Board for 20 years at the Manitoba Adolescent Treatment Centre (MATC). Board member of the Winnipeg Child and Family Services, Northwest Area Council as Vice President of community relations. She served on the Board of the Manitoba Grants Advisory council, Board member of Seven Oaks Hospital, Canadian Mental Health Association- Winnipeg and Manitoba Division. O.K. Before and After School, Constable Edward Finnely Child Care Centre, St. John’s Community Relations Committee and the Multicultural Chair during the Keith Spicer Commission.  She was also appointed a member of the Manitoba Arts Council. She was the community representative of the Canada Ukraine Legislative Intergovernmental Program.

The Manitoba Provincial courts appointed our mother along with 2 other Manitobans to an interim board of the Manitoba Metis Federation were for 9 months she and the members reviewed and organized the elections of a new President and Board of Directors.

For her involvement in the community nationally and internationally our mother received the highest award granted by the UCC the Shevchenko Medal in 2007. In 2009 she received a medal for Noble Work and Virtue from the President of Ukraine Victor Yuschenko. In addition, she was awarded the Leader for the Year YMCA for 1978-1979. City of Winnipeg Community Service Award 1984 and in 2019. In 1992 the 125 Commemorative award, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal. The Bulava Award by the UCC-Manitoba. In 2010 she was honored by the Osvita Foundation for her work in the community and the program.  On the occasion of Manitoba 150, she received the 150 Medal from the Province of Manitoba.

The family would like to thank the team at Selkirk Regional Health Centre. The fabulous team in the Kidney dialysis unit. Plus, the homecare team that has helped mom this past year.

A donation can be made on her behalf to the Shevchenko Foundation.

Service will be held Monday April 13th, 2026 at 630pm at Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Cathedral    115 McGregor St, Winnipeg, MB

Vichnaya Pamyat!