On January 9, 2023, Lillian Strynatka of Edmonton passed away at the age of 87 years in the Sturgeon Community Hospital, St. Albert.

Lillian was born in Willingdon, Alberta, on July 22, 1935, to parents Helen and George Russ. She was born into a Ukrainian family and grew up on the farm and attended Vilna High School. Following, she moved to Edmonton and one of her first jobs was with the Edmonton Public Library at the downtown branch. She spoke fondly of walking down the street to have coffee at the Hotel MacDonald. She also worked as a bookkeeper for a number of years. Lillian and her husband, Terry, owned and managed rental properties which kept Lillian busy for a number of years up to her retirement. Her bookkeeping background was well used in managing the business. Lillian also worked as a tour director and researched, organized and lead tour groups to the Holy Lands, China, and Europe among other locations.

Lillian has enjoyed so many hobbies and interests over her life. In her younger years she was active as a leader with CGIT- Canadian Girls in Training. She also was the Sunday School Director at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church for a number of years. She was very accomplished with fine needlepoint and was also an excellent seamstress. Lillian loved animals, her dogs, plants, greenhouses, cooking, reading, attending Tai-Chi and travel, being particularly fond of cruises. She enjoyed painting when she was younger and appreciated music and art, collecting numerous items and souvenirs from her many travels. Lillian appreciated and found comfort in the beauty of nature, the joy of her backyard, the mountains, and lived with faith and gratitude.

Lillian loved life and lived with enthusiasm. She enjoyed working with people and will be remembered for her outgoing personality, charm, curiosity and passion for learning. Lillian always had a project or a list of things to do and wasn’t one to let life pass her by. She took her health seriously and wanted to maintain being independent and active as long as possible.

Lillian is reunited with her husband, Taras “Terry” Strynatka (1999). She is survived by her children, Douglas (Allison) Genier of Edmonton, Terence of Victoria, and Teresa McLaughlin of Edmonton; grandchildren, Aidan McLaughlin, Owen McLaughlin of Edmonton, Cara Bjornson, Cyrus Genier, and Anisophia Genier of Duncan, BC, and Tvrtko and Aurora Solin, both of Hamilton, ON; five great-grandchildren; sister, Liz Russ of Edmonton; nieces, Claudette Cloutier of North Vancouver BC and Michelle Cloutier-Watters of Orleans ON; and nephew, Curtis Cloutier of Vancouver, BC.

She was predeceased by sisters, Irene Hrabats, and Nina Cloutier; and aunt, Ann (Jack) Youzwishen of Edmonton.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Sturgeon Hospital for Lillian’s excellent care.

A Prayer Service will be held Thursday, January 19, 2023, at 7 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 9831 – 75 Street. A Funeral Rite will be held on Friday January 20, 2023, at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Reverend Father Yuriy Suchevan officiating with interment in Rosehill Cemetery.

In lieu of other tributes, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada