Tanya Elizabeth Zenuk

TANYA ELIZABETH ZENUK Born in Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan, on February 01, 1973, passed away in Nanaimo, B.C., on August 28, 2021. Her death came after an extended illness, which she faced with strength, dignity and fortitude. She was a warrior for her family during this odyssey.

Tanya was the youngest of Samuel and Isabel Zenuk’s six children (Lori, Greg, Mark, Donna, Cecli), a clan that surrounded her with love and support through life’s various twists and turns. She was a skilled pianist that was there to care for her father upon his passing in 2000 and be a steady presence for her mother in a difficult period; Tanya received the same comfort from loving family in her time of need. Her nieces and nephews made her especially happy, watching them grow from buds to brilliant adults.

Tanya and Spiro Getsios were married on Vancouver Island in 2001, after meeting in a Squamish 7-11 parking lot on the way to Whistler, B.C. in 1993. She was cherished by Spiro’s immediate and extended family as one of their own. We managed to celebrate twenty years of marriage this past August 18. Tanya moved to Chicago, IL, in 2001, where she worked as a registered nurse in paediatrics with vibrant colleagues that filled her bucket with memories, laughter, and a few tears. It was in Chicago that Tanya and Spiro were blessed to bring Kaia Irene (2004) and Eleni Isabel (2016) into this world. After a brief respite in Philadelphia, PA, they made their way back to Vancouver Island, a place Tanya always considered home, in 2018. She loved to be outside, equally in awe of mountains and oceans. Tanya imprinted this passion for nature in her children and shared in it with her intimate circle of friends. She continued her work as a registered nurse in Nanaimo with a new set of compassionate colleagues. Tanya now leaves behind Eleni, a bundle of positive energy in every super squeeze, Kaia, a woman with wisdom and intensity beyond her years, and me, her husband Spiro. I consider myself fortunate to have shared most of my adult life with such a wonderful person.

Never the center of attention, always the steady one, Tanya had an amazing ability to keep things under control and bring ease to those in her company. Her sharp wit and deep wisdom surprised us at times, and had a way of sticking around for longer than anticipated. An unassuming impact that will be well remembered and sorely missed.

A viewing will be held for Tanya at Yates Memorial Services-Parksville on Wednesday, September 01, followed by a service at Church of the Ascension on Friday, September 03.  Tanya loved her garden and was active in the National Urea Cycle Disorders Foundation, where donations can be made instead of flowers. Over time, we will gather with more friends and family to reflect upon and celebrate Tanya.