Marlene Kyra

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Marlene (Myroslava) Kyra, who left us on July 26, 2024, at the age of 63, in Mississauga, Ontario. Marlene, known for her vibrant spirit and unwavering strength, succumbed to a stroke and heart failure. She was a beloved mother, sister, aunt, and cousin whose life was a testament to love, resilience, and joy.

Marlene was born in Lachine, Quebec and grew up passionate about winter sports, ballet, and tap dancing. Her high school years were marked by her prowess in gymnastics, particularly on the parallel bars. Sewing was a lifelong hobby, and she was renowned for her meticulous craftsmanship. Gardening and baking cakes were her ways of nurturing and sharing joy with those around her. Marlene's love for fashion and fashion magazines was a constant in her life, reflecting her keen sense of style and elegance.

In her professional life, Marlene worked in the Freight Transportation Industry, where her colleagues recognized her excellence. Her dedication and career achievements were a source of pride for her family.

Marlene is survived by her loving children, Victoria and Eugene Zowtonizka; her sisters, Irene (Shawn) Kyra-Crabtree and Marusia Kyra; her nephews and niece, Nicholas, Tyson, and Aerin; and her cousin, Peter Kyra. She was predeceased by her mother, Anna Kyra-Lewenec; her stepfather, Michael Lewenec; and her birth father, Ivan Kyra.

Marlene's life was enriched by her love for the outdoors, whether she was spending time at the cottage, enjoying Shawn and Irene's boat, or participating in Ukrainian Scouting Plast during her childhood. Her love for animals was evident in the care she provided to her pets throughout her life, from her childhood companions—turtles, goldfish, and the cat named Kitchu—to Fritz, the black kitten she rescued in Montreal, who became a beloved member of the family for 22 years.

Marlene's interests extended to her love of television programs like Days of Our Lives and M-A-S-H, which she enjoyed with her mother (Baba), and her fondness for romantic and Christmas movies, especially National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and The Sound of Music. She also enjoyed talk shows like Ellen Degeneres, Oprah, and Sally Jesse Raphael.

A special thank you to the Stroke Unit and ICU nursing staff at Trillium Health Partners Mississauga Hospital for their exceptional care and to Nabeel Syed for his guidance and support during this difficult time.

A memorial service will be held at St. John's Dixie Chapel in Mississauga on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 12:00, followed by a small reception. Please join us in celebrating Marlene's beautiful life.

If you wish to make a donation in Marlene's name, please consider donating to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in her honour.