02/15/2026
KAZOLEAS, Elsie
Elsie Kazoleas passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on February 14, 2026, at the age of 94 years.
Born on December 27, 1931, in Slawa, Alberta, to Annie Osinchuk, Elsie was later raised in a blended household with her stepfather, Peter Ewanashko. She grew up in a humble immigrant family during the 1930s. With her mother facing significant challenges and little stability at home, she found strength and guidance in her grandmother, Eva and her uncle, Bill, who became powerful and formative influences in her life. Her deep respect for her uncle, Bill was such that she later named her son in his honour.
Growing up as the child of immigrants and speaking English as a second language and a deaf mother she learned resilience, toughness, and self-reliance at a very young age — traits that stayed with her for the rest of her life.
Elsie was predeceased by her parents; her husbands, Harry Tocheniuk & Emmanouil Kazoleas; her daughter, Bonnie Levesque; her son, Morris Tocheniuk; stepdaughter, Melissa Yaremchuk; & honorary son, Cory Kjemtrup.
She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of over 40 years, Raymond Yaremchuk; her children, Darline McAvoy, William Kazoleas, and James (Denise) Kazoleas; & her extended stepchildren, Carey (Shannon) Yaremchuk & Olissia (Rick) Slugoski. She was a proud grandmother to 16 grandchildren; 4 step grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 9 step great-grandchildren; & 2 great-great-grandchildren; with a third on the way — each of whom knew that when Baba called, you answered.
She never forgot a birthday. Every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild could count on a card in the mail with coins or bills held in place with green tape signifying their age and a phone call with her singing “Happy Birthday” in her unmistakable voice. It was her way of reminding each of them that they were seen, remembered, and loved.
Elsie worked tirelessly throughout her life, earning her living through grocery and restaurant businesses in Drayton Valley, Edson, and White Rock, BC. while tending her gardens, her kitchen, and her family with the same fierce dedication. She had a legendary work ethic and expected everyone around her to keep up. She loved to laugh, loved to tell stories, and wasn’t afraid to raise her voice if she thought it was necessary — which was often.
If you came to visit, you were fed — and if you arrived on a full stomach, you were warned not to make that mistake again.
Her home in Myrnam was always open, and her kitchen was its heart. Faith anchored her, and family — both close and extended — was the centre of her world. She took pride in keeping everyone connected, organizing family reunions and carefully preserving family history so future generations would know where they came from.
A Prayer Service will be held on Thursday, February 19 at 8:00 p.m. at Grace Gardens Funeral Chapel, St. Paul with Father John Lipinski officiating. A visitation of family and friends will be held the hour prior. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, Myrnam. Reverend Father Roman Kobyletskyy will be officiating with interment in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Haying in the 30’s (Cancer Support Society) ℅ 5626 - 51 Street, St. Paul, AB. T0A 3A1. (100% of funds raised goes to families undergoing treatment for cancer).
She leaves behind a legacy of strength, laughter, full plates, very clear opinions — and a family who will carry her stories forward.
To send condolences online, please visit www.gracegardensfuneralchapel.com
GRACE GARDENS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 5626 - 51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1 780-645-2677
