Elke Zubatiuk

After a three month struggle with lung cancer, Elke Zubatiuk passed away on October 6, 2022, only two months after her 79th birthday, and one month after the 20th anniversary of her dear husband’s (Victor Zubatiuk) passing. Her final weeks were spent in the attentive care of her son, and then with the wonderful and compassionate staff and volunteers of Hospice Cornwall.

Daughter of Kurt & Lydia Banzhaf (both deceased), Elke with her parents immigrated to Canada to make a life in Toronto, Ontario, where she would eventually meet her husband, Victor. Elke and Victor, along with a tight group of immigrant friends, performed in each other’s ethnic dance groups. Later the couple moved to Prescott and then Cornwall to raise a son together. After their son went to university, they moved to Lakeview Heights, a friendly community nestled amongst beautiful maples, steps from the Saint Lawrence River. Here they bought a sailboat, joined the local yacht club and together learned to sail.

Elke is survived by her dear son Kurt and daughter-in-law Heather. By Elke’s request no service will be held. She wished to join her husband quietly, her ashes joining his. She will be missed by her lovely neighbours, who kept an eye out for her during her years in Lakeview Heights; by old friends and family spanning from her native Germany, from Ottawa, Brockville, and her old stomping grounds Toronto. She was known and loved for her thoughtfulness, generosity and a quirky sense of humour. During seasonal holidays she would leave baskets of treats with her friends and neighbours for their children. And she never forgot a birthday. Her son will remember her also for her intelligence and wisdom, as well as compassion in tough jams. (And, it must be said, for her amazing cooking.)

Please consider making donations to Hospice Cornwall (1507 Second St. West, Cornwall, ON K6J 1J5), where Elke was so beautifully cared for in her finals days. Visit their website at https:// cornwallhospice.com to make a donation directly.