In Memoriam
1950 – 2026
On April 3, 2026, the Ukrainian community in Canada lost a fearless champion, tireless volunteer, generous mentor, and sincere friend in Lesia Szwaluk.
Lesia Szwaluk began her career as a medical professional, later becoming an administrator in the not-for-profit sector, before settling into roles that gave her the greatest satisfaction – those within the Ukrainian Canadian community.
Professionally, she served as Acting Executive Director of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress National before becoming the Executive Director of The Shevchenko Foundation (TSF), from which she retired after almost 20 years.
Her volunteer involvement was extensive, including the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, National and Manitoba Provincial Council, Canadian Ukrainian Institute Prosvita, and the Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada. Manitoba organizations with which she was involved focused on a range of health-related and multicultural issues, including Manitoba Adolescent Treatment Centre and Winnipeg Child and Family Services. Lesia was also appointed member of the Manitoba Arts Council.
But while the list of Lesia’s involvement in the community is long, she will be best remembered for her wonderful personality, characterized by a welcoming smile and empathetic ear. She was generous with her time, sharing her experience and knowledge with anyone who asked. And she was the eternal optimist. Everything was in the realm of the possible.
“At The Shevchenko Foundation, Lesia had a mission. With her honed administrative skills coupled with an intricate knowledge of our community from coast to coast, Lesia worked with the Board of Directors as a valued team member,” stated TSF President Boris Balan. “Lesia was instrumental in guiding the organization through one of its most significant periods of development. Remaining focused on strengthening TSF’s capacity, she worked to ensure that future generations could discover that same spark of belonging that brought her immense joy and purpose.”
During Lesia’s tenure as Executive Director, TSF developed its online presence, created a professional Investment Committee, introduced the Kobzar Fellowship Program, the Kobzar Literary Award, and the Shevchenko Commemorative Bookmark, established the Canadian First World War Internment Recognition Fund, and launched the REACH Mentorship/Residence for the Arts – all initiatives that continue to strengthen the organization to this day.
Lesia became synonymous with TSF. Grantees were grateful for her strategic partnership and guidance; donors appreciated her transparency, sincerity and accessibility. Anyone who knew her simply appreciated the opportunity to chat.
Upon her retirement in 2019, TSF established the Lesia Szwaluk Volunteer Leadership Award Designated Fund, which supports outstanding young adults volunteering in the Ukrainian Canadian community.
Lesia received numerous awards for her commitment to community development, including the Taras Shevchenko Medal, the highest honour bestowed by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
On behalf of all TSF stakeholders, including the many grantees and donors whose lives were touched by Lesia, the TSF Board of Directors and Management express sincere condolences to Lesia’s family –Nelson, Oksana and Odin, Volodymyr, Svitlana and Luka. We share in the loss experienced by Lesia’s global network of friends. May her infinite love for community and her immeasurable zest for life always inspire us.
Memory eternal. Vichnaia pamiat.
Read more about Lesia’s legacy at this link: https://www.korbanchapel.com/obituary/Lesia-Szwaluk
In memory of Lesia, donations in lieu of flowers may be made to The Shevchenko Foundation at this link: https://bit.ly/4bYePhX
Photo courtesy Norbert K. Iwan