Obituary of Magdalena "Lena" Gasko

Lena passed away at Southlake Regional Health Centre on November 14, 2025 with her family by her side.

Lena was born in Yugoslavia on July 20, 1931 and emigrated to Canada with her husband Henry and son Henry after World War II. They had another son, Herman, in Canada and together they worked hard to build a life here, settling in the Holland Marsh and starting a successful family farm, which they ran together for over 50 years. Lena and Henry were true partners, working side by side every day, growing lettuce, carrots, onions and beets. She was a tireless worker and took great pride in the farm and her new home in Canada.

In later years Lena became a well known fixture in the Marsh, sitting in her porch where she could keep an eagle eye on all the farmers and their crops, dispensing weather reports and encouragement to all as the harvest came in.

Her Canadian grandchildren, Chelsea, Kylan and Kolby remember the days when Oma babysat, fed them schnitzel and Kraft dinner, snuck cookies to them when Mom wasn't watching, and loved them to bits. Her Australian grandchildren, Emily and Anne, remember the visits with Oma and Otta, and how hard it was to say good-bye each time. Lena also had two great-grandsons, Finley and Wolf, who will miss Oma's hugs and her rhubarb cake.

Lena was pre-deceased by her husband Henry, and leaves behind her sons Henry (Judy), Herman (Shannon), grandchildren Emily (Ollie), Chelsea (Luke), Anne, Kylan, and Kolby (Nicole), and great-grandchildren Finley and Wolf.

It was Lena's wish that there be no funeral service, and we ask instead that you remember her with a smile and think of her next time you munch on a carrot.