Mrs. Lena Gogol of Yorkton, beloved wife of Andrew Antony, entered eternal life on May 16, 2017 at the Yorkton Hospital with her family by her side at the age of 85 years. Lena was born February 8, 1932 in the Lady Lake district, the daughter of Joseph and Elsie (nee Toderash) Yaremchuk. She was the eldest of the 6 children. While growing up Lena helped her mom and dad with many chores on the family farm. Lena attended school at the Etomami School until grade 6, then continued her education at Sturgis Composite high school. Lena met Nestor Gogol in 1949 while he was running a gravel trucking business. They were married in 1951 on June 25. The next few years brought the joy of 4 children Dan, Donna, Jolie and Bart. Her work journey included footwear sales while in Dauphin, MB as well as being a top selling Avon salesperson and mother of 4, all at the same time. She was a true multi-tasker. In 1973 they moved to Swan River, MB where she ran the Twilight Motel which her and Nestor owned. After selling the motel she worked for 5 years at Lunding Jewellers in sales. In 1980 they moved to Canora where Lena did a tremendous amount of volunteer work at the Gateway Lodge with the Canora ladies auxiliary. Following Nestor's passing in 1989 Lena continued her volunteer work with a passion. Lena had several hobbies and passions. All throughout her adult life she loved gardening, picking mushrooms, doing massive puzzles, crossword puzzles, fishing, picking wild strawberries, bingo, playing cards and gambling as well as her favourite outdoor activity which was camping! Lena's love of the outdoors was only surpassed by the love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved all equally as they all loved her too! In 1995 Lena met Andrew Antony at a singles dance in Yorkton. They danced, they laughed and obviously there was an instant connection. They danced their way into marriage on October 20, 1996. Lena & Andrew had all the same interests which bonded them even closer. They visited many Orthodox Churches throughout Canada. Lena extended her love to Andrew's children Brian, Gail and Kathy, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lena and Andrew enjoyed fishing, picking mushrooms, gardening, wine making and most of all they enjoyed spending as much time as possible camping with their many good friends at Lake of the Prairies. Besides her parents, Lena was predeceased by her husband Nestor 1989, son Dan in 2000, grandson Nikolas in 2016, brother Harry in 1987 and brother-in-law Walter 1993. She leaves to cherish her memory, husband Andrew, daughter Donna (Brett) White, daughter Jolie (Nick) Hrominchuk, son Bart (Gale) Gogol, stepson Brian Antony, stepdaughter Gail Antony, stepdaughter Kathy (Kevin) Porteous, 7 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, 9 stepgrandchildren and 6 stepgreat-grandchildren. She also leaves her sister Annette (Larry) Wallace, Helen (Wes) Andrei, Evelyn Zawerucha and Gladys (Len) Fraser. As well as many nieces and nephews.
Moms legacy: When my children think back to their childhood I want them to remember me with a smile on my face, with a heart full of joy and a love so strong that we could get through any circumstance together. I want them to remember that I helped others, showed respect and kindness, but that I also put them at the front of what was important in my life. I want my legacy to be one of faith, hope and love. If I leave them with this legacy then I feel like I have truly left them something valuable and lasting. All my Love Mom Gogol.
A visitation was held on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre. The Funeral Service was held on Friday, May 19, 2017 at Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton with Rev. Father Brent Kuzyk officiating. The responses were led by cantor, Zennovia Duch and parish choir members. The cross bearer was Brian Antony. The interment took place in the family plot at Preeceville Community Cemetery with Jay Hrominchuk, Matthew Gogol, Bryan Wallace, Jason Yaremchuk, David Sawkiw and Justin Gogol serving as the casket bearers. Memorials in memory of Lena may be made to the SK Lung Association or Stars Air Ambulance as gifts of remembrance. Condolences can be sent to the family at Xpuctoc Bockpec! Christ is Risen!
