May 30, 1930 - October 30, 2018
It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce Olesia Anna (Babuniak) Gafka passed away at the age of 88. An only child, she was predeceased by her parents, Valeria (Wolynycz) and Hyrnko Babuniak. Olesia is survived by her beloved husband, Leonard Arthur Gafka, daughters Valerie (Don), Gail (Hi), and Karen (Richard), grandchildren Jenny (Eric), Freedom, Adam, Jacob, Jack, Kate, and 2 great grandchildren Presley and Vincent, and nephews and niece Rick, Ralph, and Hazel Paquette.
Olesia was born in Vegreville, AB. Lassie, as she was better known, grew up in Edmonton, AB. On December 3, 1960, Olesia married her only love, Leonard, in Edmonton; they were married for 58 years. While living in Montreal and later in retirement, they travelled extensively across Canada, USA, and Europe.
She lived each moment of every day to the fullest. She was an avid volunteer, loved being with friends at Newcomers, playing cards & Scrabble, and loved playing lawn bowls for years. Being with people meant the world to her, and caring for her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren, was something she deeply loved.
Our family extends our sincere gratitude to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, especially Dr. Ontko, all the nurses & aids who cared for her, and to palliative care's Dr. Van Der Weyde, and Dr. King.
At Olesia's request, a private gathering will be held at a future date. Condolences can be offered by visiting www.mem.com.
The loss of a wife and mother can never be replaced, but the love of a wife and mother can never be lost. We will never be the same without you, Mom, until we're together again.