Zenovia (Zinny) Dokuchic Stoyka age 87 peacefully passed away on Wednesday July 25, 2018 at St. Joseph's Hospital. She was born in Fort William, Ontario on April 16, 1931 to parents Mikhail Dokuchic and Elena Lipovitch.
Zinny grew up in the East End surrounded by a large family and many friends. She loved to participate in community events including her roles as a playground supervisor and a Sunday school teacher. She attended Ogden public school and Fort William Vocational high school where she one of the "Five Notes" singers. After graduation she worked in the credit office of Chappels Department store and then Sears.
Zinny met the love of her life Morris in early childhood and they were married May 24, 1958. Zinny, Morris and their two children Ann Louise and Alexander enjoyed many family adventures: blueberry picking, swimming, picnicking, and numerous road trips across the country and throughout the US visiting friends and relatives along the way. In 1985 Zinny and Morris travelled to Glasgow Scotland for the Silver Broom World Curling Championship where they made new friends. She spent many happy hours playing with her grandchildren Alexa and Michael.
In her leisure hours, Zinny created intricate petit point pictures, solved many word puzzles and read many books. She always looked forward to afternoon walks downtown to meet her sisters for coffee. She enjoyed watching Blue Jay's games at night with her expansive collection of teddy bears.
Zinny was always ready with a cup of tea for anyone who dropped by.
Zenovia is survived by her daughter Ann Louise Stoyka (Mike Baird), granddaughter Alexa Baird (Ben Segel-Brown), son Alexander (Leslie MacGregor), grandson Michael Stoyka, sister Sally Umpherson, brother in-law Gerald (Doreen), sister in-law Lorraine Stockla (Paul Sider), special niece Janine Reynolds and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Zenovia is predeceased by husband Morris, parents Mikhail and Elena, sisters Julia (Joseph), Olga (Frank), Vera, Ann (Steve), brothers Bill (Jean), Steve (Jean), Nick (Joyce) and Alec (Rose) and in-laws Anna and Alexander Stoyka.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 11:00 AM at the Blake's Funeral Chapel with Rev. Marlene Britton officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
The family would like to thank the Doctors and Nurses at St. Joseph's Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion. Special thanks to Janine Reynolds, Bill Zeleny, and Wendie and Clair Pilgrim for their extra love and support.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Northern Cancer Fund of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Zenovia Stoyka will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 9, 2019.
