Elena Lesun

About Elena Lesun, someone has said, "She was definitely magical, one of the few people I have met who could smile and be happy through any situation." She had a smile that would light up a room. Born in Minsk, Belarus, her life was full of promise, achieving a degree in nuclear physics with a medal for highest marks, accomplished in athletics like swimming and running for which she also won medals. She married young, and had two beautiful children, Anastassia and Igor. In the year 2000, she and the family emigrated to Canada, first to Montreal, later briefly to Colorado, and finally to Ottawa. Her technical and artistic talents went into computer programming and web page design.

But the challenge she was due to face in her life was a slow succumbing, beginning at age 38, to MS, Multiple Sclerosis. This brought many changes to her life and family. A year-long stay at a nursing home was followed by a return to Minsk and her parents, Anatoly and Ludmilla. There she sought treatment, while her children, now young adults, remained behind. In 2014, she came back to Ottawa, now with a new caregiver and a new life, still determined to overcome her Progressive MS. She became part of a Russian church community of remarkable people. Everywhere she went she brought her big welcoming smile and every one instantly fell in love with her. As the years went by, she spent time in the Grace Manor nursing home, where she was a much-loved resident, spent weekends away, enjoyed music and her Russian comedy shows. With the advent of the Covid pandemic, she left the Grace and lived privately with her devoted caregiver, Earl, who often played the piano for her.

After losing her son Igor in 2020, she did not give up her determination to live. She loved the outdoors, looking forward to the yearly Tulip Festival. She loved her chocolate cake, gelato, shopping trips to the mall, going to the movies, spending time with her daughter and caregiver. Earl facilitated a Skype call every day to her parents in Minsk. She gave her best years to us, and we are extremely grateful to have known such an inspiring woman. The MS took away her ability to move parts of her body, even to speak, but she never complained of her limitations but enjoyed life to the fullest and welcomed each day as it was presented to her.

Gradually, however, her struggle with MS plus the added threat of Covid which she recently contracted and which finally compromised her limited health, overcame her best efforts and she passed away at the age of 52 on July 25, 2022, to the deep sorrow of her family and all who knew her and loved her. May she rest in peace and never be forgotten.

A funeral service for Elena will be held Friday, July 29, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Protection of the Holy Virgin Memorial Church, 99 Stonehurst Ave., Ottawa, ON K1Y 4R6.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEvoy-Shields.com for the Lesun family.