In Celebration of

Anna Molenda

July 10, 1923 -  March 9, 2018

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of the strong, vibrant and incomparable Anna Molenda. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, March 9, 2018, in her 95th year. Loving wife of the late William Molenda, and loyal partner to Stephan Jejna thereafter. Devoted mother to Irene (Brian), Doreen (Al), Stephanie (Cameron) and Myron (Pamela). Cherished Baba to her grandchildren Andrea, Christine, Andrew, Katherine, Kelly, Michael, Stephen, Robert, Christie, Rachel and Samantha and great Baba to her great-grandchildren, Alexa, Evan, Rylie, Matthew, Stevie, McKenzie and Violet.

Although her journey through life was difficult, she endured each challenge with a determination and rigour that came to be her trademark. She arrived in Canada after a turbulent displacement from her native Ukraine during World War II. Despite the tragic and sudden passing of her loving husband William at the age of 43, she continued to raise her children commendably and instilled in them the sense of discipline and virtue she most valued.

Anna was a hard-working domestic care worker, uncompromising landlord and occasional thief of parsley from the local grocer. Even into her early 90's you could find her strolling the sidewalks of Bloor West Village or on a ladder tending to her eavestroughs. Her personality, spirit and charm were so utterly unique. She will not soon be forgotten by anyone she touched with her presence.

Friends may visit at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W on Monday, March 12, 2018 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Funeral service will be held in the chapel on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at 11 AM. Interment to follow at Prospect Cemetery.

If desired, memorial donations can be made to the Ivan Franko Homes.

Guestbook 

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Barb and Peter Kleschnitzki (family friend)

Entered March 9, 2018 from Mont-Tremblant

Hugs to Anna Molenda's family. A very sad and difficult time.
May Anna rest in peace.

Hugs
Barb and Peter

Elda Phair (Inlaw to Brian&Irene)

Entered March 10, 2018 from Miramichi

She was a powerhouse woman, ahead of her time. Our sincere condolences and heartfelt love to all of you. Elda&Den

Jim Eliopoulos (Friend of Myron Molenda)

Entered March 10, 2018 from Toronto

Myron and family, please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. I'm sure the memories left behind by this amazing woman will sustain through the years.

Lianne Wolter (Friend)

Entered March 11, 2018 from Oshawa

These pictures have captured Baba expressing her will to live a vibrant life, her love of music and dancing, and thoughtful memories of her loved ones. A strong willed brave woman Baba was. I always admired her for that. She had a smile that lit up the room! These are the memories that she will be remembered for.

Love Lianne

Patrick J. McLaughlin (Son-in-law (ex))

Entered March 12, 2018 from Boca Raton, FL

Baba,
We go back a ways. Remember first meeting you in 1979 when I was dating your beautiful daughter, Doreen. You welcomed me, a Boston Irishman into the family and taught me some of the Ukrainian customs.
Boy, did we struggle together. I had never met such a strong willed women and been associated with such a maternal family. Although we had some interesting conversations and didn't always agree, I always respected you and our relationship. You did teach me to be strong, forthright and accepting, as much as I could at the time, and I always struggled with your teaching. Come to find out, I had other issues to deal with.
As we parted our ways in 2005, and age crept into my life, I had many pleasant memories of the wisdom you were trying to share with me. Even though I was not ready, time does have a way of catching up to us. You have instilled that knowledge and wisdom into your children, and time again will have a way of healing all of our wounds.
Baba, as you pass into eternity, our paths will meet again and finally I will be able to tell you again how much I love you and will always.
God continue to bless you and until we meet again.
Your "always" son-in-law,
Patrick

Life Stories 

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Baba's Family 

Entered March 9, 2018

Our Baba,

Our "one and only" Baba, you were always such an important part of our lives. We admired you for what you experienced in your life; your strength and independence, living through war, coming to Canada all by yourself, raising and providing for a family of four children on your own, after Dido passed away, being a smart and successful business woman/land-lady, and for your generosity over all of these years.

You were a "strong like bull" female role model and matriarch, with even stronger opinions and a unique personality. You were full of spirit and spunk, which so many admired you for. Your life force will live on in the memories and hearts of your beautiful family.

Your delicious home cooked Ukrainian food spoiled us over the years, "only the best"! Thank you for passing down the traditions of our Ukrainian heritage and for instilling in us a pride for your homeland, Ukraine.

You lived a long, fruitful life, full of experience and wisdom, which gifted all of us a lifetime of wonderful memories. You were truly a one of a kind, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and land-lady. We are so very proud to come from such a strong and independent woman and to call you our Baba.

We take solace in knowing that you are finally at peace and have gone home to God and those that have passed before you. We know that you will watch over us and be our angel Baba in heaven.

You will be dearly missed and never forgotten.

We love you Baba, so very much, and will carry you in our hearts always.

"That's all about"

Darka ("Beautiful Daughter")

Entered March 11, 2018 from Scottsdale, Arizona

You are and will always be our "ROCK"
Our "MATRIARCH" A word so simple yet with such complexity. A woman whose greatness can only be measured in the reflection of her children. A life of such richness cannot be given any justice by more words. It can only be seen in the faces of those who love her each and every day. She is our Mama, our Baba, our Great Baba.
She is our HEART!

Photos 

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