On December  12th 2025, with her family by her side, Virginia Eileen Zazula,  left this world to join her parents,  cousins and friends. Predeceased by her parents Mike and Nellie Zenith and her grandson Lee Zinyk. Left behind to share her story are Children Wally Zinyk and Cindy, David Zinyk and Cindy , Barbara  Zinyk , Cheryl Zinyk and Peter, Laureen and Paul Sabourin and  Allan Zinyk.  Grandchildren Reid and Tammy, Marisa, Miles and Samantha, Ronson and Tam, Royce and Samantha. Great grandchildren Makaela, Nixon, Brody, Rosalie, Nikolas, Noah, and Alexander.

Virginia was born October 19th 1936 and raised near Elma Manitoba. She enjoyed her life on the farm with her brother Leonard and all her cousins. She often spoke about skating on the river, with her faithful dog staying by her side as she walked home along the river banks. Virginia’s mother was a wonderful seamstress who made sure her daughter was always dressed beautifully.  

These treasured memories were carried into Virginia’s daily life. There was always a garden in the back yard with flowers surrounding the house. Virginia continued the tradition of sewing beautiful dresses for her daughters including their wedding dresses.

Home was a lived-in welcoming space. The door was open for all her six children’s friends as well as all of Virginia’s friends. Our house was a mini Folklarama where everyone was welcomed. The space was filled with diverse music and smells of tasty foods. Her love of animals also stemmed from life on the farm. She loved and cared for many dogs over the years, a turtle and her bird Koko.

Virginia lived her life to the fullest, she was an artist, loved dancing, had an eclectic taste in music, read, gardened, loved mushroom picking and traveled. She was surrounded by talented and loyal friends.

Virginia loved all her children, her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She supported her children in all their endeavours  whether music, dancing, sports, acting, studies and various careers and encouraged them to do whatever they needed to do. She was a fabulous baba and a faithful daughter who cared for her mother in her later years.

Virginia worked hard her whole life from raising her children, working in hospitality, teaching catechism, and caring for her mother.  At the age of 38 with a grade eight education, she was accepted to the University of Manitoba in which she completed a BA in Slavic Studies and minored in English Literature, then went on to attain her Health Care Management Diploma.

Virginia was a creative and innovative leader in caring for the elderly. For example, she started pet therapy before it was even popular by bringing her dogs to share with residents in a personal care home.  She advocated for the residents who were in her care. Her philosophy was that it was their home. After retiring from being the CEO at River East Personal Care Home Virginia became a marriage commissioner, painted, studied and practiced reiki.  She continued to nurture and mentor those around her.

Thank you to all the staff from the Holy Family Home. Your competent compassionate and kind care does not go unnoticed.

Thank you to the Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate for your friendship, kindness and support.

Thank You to all of Virginia’s friends who continued to stay in touch.

Her Children will miss her creative force and her wind-like manner.  We are forever grateful for her mess that glitter gluing, paint spilling, drums drumming, dogs barking, birds flying, belly laughing, reiki healing, utmost joyful and ultimately Beautiful mess.

A private service presided by Fr. Larry Kondra was held with the immediate family.  We will have a celebration of life for extended family and friends in the Spring 2026.