Lena Tocker
December 26, 1926 – October 19, 2024
As published in the October 28, 2024 World-Spectator
It is with heavy hearts and great sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother, Lena Tocker, on October 19, 2024 at the Esterhazy Centennial Special Care Home at the age of 97.
Lena was born to Dan and Katherine Toney on the family farm near Grenfell, Saskatchewan on December 26, 1926.
As a young girl, Lena dreamed of being a teacher. Her dream came through with much hardship and perseverance during the early years. She graduated from Teachers College and was offered a position in a one-room schoolhouse at Grove Park, Sask.
Soon after arriving she met Ernie, the apple of her eye. They were married for 54 years and raised four children. Ernie passed away in June of 2000.
Lena taught school for several years then decided to be a stay-at-home mom. She always felt it was important to keep learning. She studied and received her diploma in Reflexology and practiced for 29 years.
Lena loved to crochet. She always had a new pattern to try out. Her hands were never idle. Her creations have gone to areas of Canada, Texas and points in Jamaica, Honduras, Japan and parts of Europe. In later years, as her eyesight began to fail, she continued to make slippers and lap blankets for the Salvation Army and baby blanklets which were donated to Saskatoon Birthright and the YMCA.
Many summers were enjoyed fishing and relaxing at Crooked Lake and Round Lake over the years. Mom and dad built their cottage with bare hands, a strong back and minimal tools.
In their earlier years in Broadview, Sask., Lena and Ernie played various instruments in their own old-time band, ‘The Mom and Dads.’ Their love of dance led them to purchase Rainbow Dance Hall in 1985. Lena was an excellent cook and was well known for the midnight lunch she served of perogies, cabbage rolls and baking.
Mom’s love for animals was very evident as many a stray cat would find its permanent home in the family house. Her children and grandchildren have followed in her footsteps caring for and adopting stray cats and dogs. Mom supported animal rescue fundraisers and in October 2023 she adopted Zoey (her puddy cat) from Angels of Hope Animal Rescue. Her pride and joy were her dogs JP, Buffy, Cody (Bo Bo), Teddy and Buddy.
Lena accepted Jesus as her Savior when she was a young girl. She devoted her life to serving the Lord in the Christian Catholic faith believing that Jesus died for the salvation of all.
Mom was predeceased by her loving husband Ernie; parents Dan and Katherine; sisters Rose, Mary, Sophie, Helen and Marlene; brothers Henry, Bill and Stanley; grandson Mark McManus and step-grandson Angel Andino Lagos.
Lena leaves to mourn, her family: Marolyn Tocker, Beverly (Bob) McManus, Randy (Lupe) Tocker, Terry (Alan) Petracek, sister Darlene (Wayne) Arndt and numerous nieces and nephews; grandchildren Kelly McManus and Marilyn and Ricky Tocker Lagos; step-grandchildren Maryuri Aleman Lagos and Alex Petracek; great-grandchildren Ben McKinty, Kassa McManus-Bohach; step-great-grandchildren Allya, Ainsley and Axel Petracek, Arnold Cruz Aleman, Samantha Mata Aleman and Logan Andino Nunez; and great-great-grandchildren Treyton and Sherilee Bohach.
Lena’s earthly journey is over, and she is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior. A private burial will take place at a later date.
In Lena’s memory, donations can be made to Animals In Need, P.O. Box 974, Esterhazy, Saskatchewan SOA 0X0.
Condolences may be shared by visiting www.pcarscaddenfs.ca. Peter Carscadden Funeral Service in care of arrangements 306-745-3304.
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