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1922 - 2020

It is with heavy hearts and much love that we say farewell to our beloved Madeline (Lena) Stepa who passed away on July 16th, 2020, at the age of 97 years. 

Lena was born on August 16th, 1922 on a farm near Derwent, Alberta to Mary & Andrew Bykowsky, and was one of eleven children.  She left the farm seeking adventure and moved to Elk Point where she found employment at the local hospital.  In 1943, she married Paul Stepa and together they raised 3 children.  Lena was never one to sit still for long.  She was always very involved in her community, whether it was volunteering at the library or with the many different organizations in town.  She especially enjoyed being a part of the local choir.  Lena also took pleasure in gardening, spending time at the lake, berry picking, golfing, curling, playing bingo and cards.  Lena was an excellent cook and the family always looked forward to her traditional Ukrainian Christmas Eve supper. 

She will be forever remembered by her daughters, Lillian Demchuk & Luci Mackenzie; and son, Victor (Sandra); also by her grandchildren, Cheryl Demchuk, Lorne Demchuk (Alison) & Erin Mackenzie (Rahul);  and great-grandchildren, Ella & Adam Demchuk.  Lena will be missed by her sisters, Mary Woloshyn & Nancy Korpan, as well as her numerous nieces & nephews.  Lena was predeceased by her parents; husband, Paul; infant son, Bobby; sons-in-law, Larry Demchuk & Cameron Mackenzie; grandson, Duncan Mackenzie; brothers, John, Matt, Eugene & Russell; & sisters, Hilda Kryvenchuk, Stefania Kiefiuk, Annie Palinka & Olga Boyko. 

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Dr. Ramful & staff at the Elk Point Health Center for their care, and also the staff at Heritage Lodge where Lena resided for the last couple years.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life may be held at a later date, with inurnment in Elk Point East Cemetery, Elk Point.  Cremation has taken place.  Memorial donations in Lena’s honor may be made to Heritage Lodge or Alberta Health Services/Parkview Extended Care c/o 5626 - 51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1. 

To send condolences online, please visit www.gracegardensfuneralchapel.com.    

GRACE GARDENS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 5626 - 51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1 780-645-2677

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