Lena Johanna Blumke

Lena was born in 1929 in Lithuania to Augusta and Ferdinand. Her brother Emil was 3 when she was born and the family welcomed the twins, Ewald, and Ella 14 months later. About 4 years later Julie joined the family. The family lived on a farm and Lena loved the animals, especially their dog. When Lena was 5, she knit her first pair of socks and thus began her lifelong love of knitting. Lena was deeply influenced by her father’s faith, gentleness, and commitment to family and often spoke fondly of family Sundays spent riding a horse and buggy to church.

In about 1944 the War was changing everything, and the family was forced to make the decision to walk away from their farm, their animals, and the life they made to keep the family safe. Lena, her family and her Oma, loaded 2 wagons with their bibles and household necessities and fled. Thankfully, her father spoke German, which allowed them safe passage to Germany. In Germany the family spent time in a DP Camp, this time was understandably difficult, and she rarely spoke about it.

Luckily, Lena’s Father’s Brother lived in Vancouver and were able to sponsor them to move to Canada. In 1948 the family was safe in Canada and started their new life. The family worked long days together in the Fraser Valley picking potatoes and hops. Within 6 to 7 years, the family was able to purchase a small farm in Port Kells.

In about 1953 Lena started working as a live-in domestic. In 1954 Lena met Emil, the love of her life at the German Alpen Club. The couple married the following year at her parent’s church and had a reception at the family farm. They then moved into the house they bought in Vancouver. A few of weeks later Emil went into the hospital for surgery and Lena return to the job she had. They rented out their home, until they were able to return to it together. After 9 months, Emil made a full recovery, and they started their life together and had a circle of friends and family to share it with them.

In 1958, Lena's dream of becoming a mother was finally realized when she gave birth to her daughter Irmgard. In 1961, their son Edward was born. She loved being at home with her children and was very committed to their church and the family attended regularly.

Lena was very social and loved having company over and cooking for her friends and family. The family enjoyed being outdoors, fishing and camping. When the kids were younger the family would spend a month camping and fishing together in the interior.

When the children were teens the family took a road trip across Canada, traveled to Europe and a trip to Hawaii, which became one of Lena’s favorite places. When Lena’s children were grown, she was able to travel to the Caribbean, Australia and back to Lithuania and Germany. To celebrate Lena’s 60th birthday, they took Irmgard, Ed, and Mishele to Hawaii for a wonderful family vacation.

In 1990 Lena and Emil welcomed their first grandchild Zach and in 1993 they welcomed their grand daughter Mikaela. Lena loved being an Oma and spending as much time as she could with them. As their grandchildren grew older, they took them to Disneyland, a cruise to Alaska and to Hawaii.

When the grandchildren were teens, they took the whole family to Mexico. They enjoyed themselves so much that they repeated it the following year and invited Irmgard as well.

2015, was a challenging year as Emil was diagnosed with cancer and in July Lena fell and required an extended hospital stay. Irmgard selflessly moved back home to care for her Mom and Dad.

Lena loved to laugh and had a knew how to laugh from her toes...a real belly laugh. Irmgard remembers that just before covid, her Mom asked why don't people laugh anymore? She said she remembered that even when they didn't have much, they still enjoyed themselves.

In June 2015, Lena and Emil celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with their children and grandchildren.

In March 2016, Lena lost the love of her life when Emil went home to be with the Lord.

In June 2016, Lena attended the wedding of her grandson Zach and his wife Aimee

In December 2021, Lena fell and after an extensive hospital stay it was determined she would require 24 hours nursing care and was no longer mobile, so she moved into a Care Home where her daughter visited often and continued to care for her Mom.

In 2023, she was blessed with her great grandson Ozias.

Lena passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, extended family, and friends.

A funeral service will be held on July 9, 2025, 11:00 am at Martin Luther Church, located at 505 E 46th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5W 2A2, Canada.

A graveside service will follow on the same day, from 2:00 pm at Valley View Funeral Home & Cemetery, located at 14644 72 Ave, Surrey, BC, V3S 2E7, Canada.