In a land over the hills, across the river, filled with golden wheat and a beautiful blue sky, a little precious girl was born. The year was March 15, 1935 and her name was Zenia [Zenobia]. Stepan Kantor and Anna Kantor [Senyszyn] were thrilled to welcome their baby daughter. Life in Sebechiv, Ukraine was just beginning. Spending her early years in a farm setting, surrounded by beehives, beautiful gardens, and household full of songs, happiness and joy, there were countless things that Zenia learned that would later become a part of her life. She was truly an artist in her own right from a very early age all inspired through her Mom and Dad. The family grew and now included Volodymyr [Kantor], Stefania [Gebarowska], Yurko [Kantor] and Evhen [Kantor].

July 1947 would change their life forever. Being forced off their precious land through Akcja Wisla, Zenia’s family was abruptly resettled into northern Poland, leaving their beautiful Ukraine behind. New life in Poland came with many challenges however the family’s spirit persevered as they built a new life in a small village of Osiek. From cultivating the land, raising animals and continuing her father’s beehiving tradition, life continued. Zenia’s natural beauty and contagious smile could be seen in many pictures from this era.
As Zenia blossomed into a young woman, she married Pawel Szymanski who would become her life partner. Shortly after, Zenia gave birth to Aleksandra, Jaroslaw and saving the best for last, 17 years later, was baby Peter [Peter wrote this eulogy]. Life was challenging with daily hustle and bustle but grateful for raising three beautiful children. Zenia worked as an accountant for majority of her professional life. Her life would be uprooted again when she moved across the ocean to Canada in 1988.

Leaving everything in Poland at the age of 53, Zenia and Pawel built a new life for themselves yet again in a foreign country, essentially starting from scratch. Despite many new challenges, they thrived by having new jobs, building a new home and having many friends to join them on their new journey. Whether it was her love for cooking and always putting on a feast for her family, crocheting and sewing outfits for her beloved children, pickling amazing vegetables that we all enjoyed throughout the year or planting her garden that included many vegetables, fruits and flowers, Zenia had a zest for a creative life that she picked up in her early days living on a farm in Ukraine.

As the family grew, Zenia became a grandmother to Marta, Mike, Larysa, Jonathan, Sienna and Simona. She also became a proud great grandmother to Kai. She created a home that welcomed everyone! 429 Stonetree Crt was a place where we could all stop by unannounced and you would be sure to leave with your stomach full.

On Nov 25th, 2024, at the age of 89, God called on our beautiful Zenia to join Him in heaven. She is now reunited with her husband Pawel. Mom, no words can explain the void we feel now that you’re gone. You were an amazing Mom and a beautiful person. You will be dearly missed everyday. One of your last worries before you passed was to make sure I wasn’t hungry. As silly as this sounds, that sums up how much you cared and loved your children. I was happy to always be there for you and care for you in your last days, holding your hand in the final moments of your beautiful life.

I love you so much Mom and until we meet again. Rest in peace Zenia. We love you.