Alexandra peacefully passed away at her home in Courtenay, BC on April 15, 2009. She was predeceased by her husband John Magis, eldest daughter Violet Chernetsky and by her partner Frank Kenyon.
Left to remember Mom, are her children Daniel Magis, Laura and Harry Carpenter and Jeannette and Jack Major. Nanny will be forever remembered by her grandchildren John Galbraith, Dan Galbraith, Robert Gagnon, Dina Chernetsky, Jackie Defoort, Janine Lafontaine, Jennifer Hertz, Alexandra Carpenter, Tom Carpenter, Carrie Toal, John Magis and their spouses. Other Nanny will also be remembered by her great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren. There are many other relatives and friends near and far who will also remember her.
Alexandra was born the youngest child of her family on September 11, 1919 in Radway Centre, Alberta. It was on her family’s farm where she met her future husband John Magis. They were married on Oct 30, 1937 in Vermilion, Alberta. Alexandra and John were married in a double wedding ceremony along with her brother Jack and Olga Hruschak. Soon after their wedding, they moved to Kenora, Ontario. Alexandra and John were blessed with four children, Daniel, Violet, Laura and Jeannette. Alexandra’s father, Dimirtij Hruschak, came to live with the family in Kenora. Alexandra took care of her father in his final years. Alexandra and John built many houses in Kenora and enjoyed large family gatherings. They went hunting and took several vacations together. They were married almost 41 years. John passed away in 1978. Alexandra moved to Winnipeg a couple of years later. While living in Winnipeg, Alexandra met Frank Kenyon. After visiting her brothers on the west coast, Alexandra and Frank decided to move out west. They settled in Gillies Bay, Texada Island, BC. Alexandra and Frank spent their days fishing, harvesting fruit and tending to their beautiful flower gardens. Alexandra and Frank absolutely enjoyed their life on Texada Island and lived it to the fullest, making life-long friendships and memories.
After Frank passed away, Alexandra decided to move to Courtenay, BC to be closer to her daughters. Alexandra enjoyed her life in Courtenay. She was always busy spending time with her family, tending to her lovely flowers or carpet bowling with the Evergreen Seniors. Alexandra and her daughter Laura took many vacations together. They enjoyed their time travelling back and forth from Nanaimo and Victoria. They travelled to Mexico together and spent time travelling and laughing from casino to casino in Canada and the United States. She enjoyed watching her great grandchildren grow and attended events they were part of. Whether it was school plays and performances or her favorite Ukrainian Dance performances, Other Nanny was always watching with a big smile. Alexandra took great pride in making endless perogies and other delicious Ukrainian foods for her family. She was so happy to pass along her recipes and special techniques to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Alexandra also passed along recipes for living a long and wonderful life.
There will be a celebration of life for Alexandra on May 10th, 2009 between 11:00am and 2:00pm at her home in Courtenay. Family and friends are invited to come and share a story or two about a life well lived.
Thank you to Yates Funeral Service and Crematorium in Parksville, BC.