Lena Joba

1921 ~ 2015

Peacefully, on Tuesday, October 27, 2015, our beloved mom, grandma and great grandma Lena passed away at her home in Seal Beach, California, at the age of 94 years.

Mom will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her children Dick of Vancouver, BC, Bob (Carol) of Tucson, AZ, and Elizabeth (Douglas) of Albuqerque, NM; grandchildren Jason and Eric Joba of Tucson, AZ, Kristi (Dale) Littlejohn of Vancouver, BC and Shannon (Doug) Wong of Burnaby, BC; great grandchildren Brady and Kelsey Wong.  She is also survived by her sister Stella Garbolinski (Modjeski); sisters in-law Anne Woligroski and Mary Golembioski and many caring nieces and nephews.  Mom was predeceased by her devoted husband of 57 years, Julian, her parents Maria and Michael Woligroski, and her siblings William, Harry, Anne, Teenie, Mary and Mike.

Mom was born June 7, 1921 in Lac du Bonnet, MB and was the 6^th of 8 siblings.  Upon immigrating to Los Angeles, Ca in 1964, Mom’s first job was at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).  Within a few months of her employment, LAX opened its first Duty Free shop.  Her work ethic earned her the coveted position of its first sales attendant.  Mom loved the hustle and bustle of the airport, meeting a bevy of international travellers and celebrities alike.  Over the next 20 years, she trained dozens of other employees to do what she had learned so capably.  Lena’s congenial success at her workplace earned her the affectionate title of “Miss Duty Free”.

Family was always a priority with Mom and she was especially fond of her grand and great grandchildren.  Though Mom was no longer able to travel after her great grandchildren were born, Brady and Kelsey visited her in California and were a special blessing to her.

We, her family, thank so very much her full-time care giver, Nho, for the loving and compassionate care he provided Mom for the past five years.

Flowers are gratefully declined and a donation may be made to the Beausejour Hospital TV Fund, Box 1614, Beausejour, MB  R0E 0C0.

Cremation has taken place.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church in Beausejour, MB.  If so desired, please come at 9:30 a.m. to enjoy music by Wayne Wazny.  Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

VICHNAYA PAMYAT

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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