ZWOZDESKI: Lena "Leona" Zwozdeski passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Sunday, February 14, 2010. Leona was born on June 12, 1914 in Brandon to Dmytro and Madeline Gramchuk. She was raised in Brandon and educated at David Livingstone School. During her lifetime, Leona worked as a short order cook, then at the Brandon General Hospital as a switchboard operator and then a housemother in the nurse's residence for fifteen years. She was a member of the Ukrainian Women's League. Leona enjoyed doing handicrafts, playing bingo, knitting, and gardening. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family. Leona is survived by her daughter Catherine Demianyk; son William (Vivian) Zwodeski; daughter-in-law Kathlyn Zwodeski and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Katherine Alexander and Anne Jaska; sister-in law Lucy Gramchuk. Leona was predeceased by her son John; son-in-law Donald Demianyk; brothers: Michael (Katherine) Gramchuk and Peter Gramchuk; sister Mary Gramchuk; brothers-in-law: Jack Alexander and Michael Jaska. The Ceremony to Celebrate Leona's Life was held at Memories Chapel on Friday, February 19, 2010. Mona Franklin officiated. Pallbearers were Garth Buchanan, Don Demianyk, Shawn Demianyk, Melvin Gramchuk and Ron Cousins. Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. Donations in memory of Leona may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 2B7 or to Camp Kakepitay, c/o Deaf Centre Manitoba, Attention: Winnipeg Church for the Deaf, Deaf Camp, 285 Pembina Hwy. Winnipeg, MB, R3L 2E1.

Beloved Mom and Grandma,
You were always there when we needed you.
No task was too great or small;
With a loving heart and a willing hand,
For us you did them all.
Thanks for the years you gave us,
And for the times we shared,
We only pray that when you left us,
You knew how much we cared.
God saw you getting tired
When a cure was not to be.
He put His arms around you
And said, "Come unto Me."
Forever in our hearts,
Your loving family.