Isabel Marie Zenuk

Isabel Marie Zenuk passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, just shy of her 93rd birthday on December 22. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, faith, and unwavering devotion to her family and to all those whose lives she touched.

Isabel was predeceased by her beloved husband, Samuel Zenuk; her dear daughter, Tanya Zenuk; her sisters, Edith and Helen; and her brothers-in-law, Barney, Wilfred, and Victor—all of whom she held forever in her heart.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: Lori Zenuk-Nishide (Masaru Nishide), with Sarah and Devon Dundore and their son Kai; Greg Zenuk (Brenda Miller), with Rachael and Hayden Grant and their children Berit, Cyrus, Hazel, and Ansel; Donna Howey (Bart), with Brenton and Sasha; Mark Zenuk (Charlene), with Preston, Ashton and Lauren Maness and their daughter Aspen, and Devan Zenuk and Hunt Holsomback with their son Asher; Cecli Zenuk and Rod Bratton; and her late daughter, Tanya Zenuk, with Spiro Getsios and their children Kaia and Eleni. She is also fondly remembered by her surviving sisters, Mary McMahon, Cecilia Cody, and Gloria Bloski, and her brother, Frank Gabriel.

Born on January 10, 1933, Isabel was the eldest daughter of John and Katherine Gabriel, pioneers who farmed south of Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan. She grew up in a German-speaking household and learned English when she began school in a one-room schoolhouse near the family farm. As the oldest of seven children, Isabel assumed responsibility early, helping with farm work, milking cows, riding horseback to pasture cattle, and caring for her younger siblings.

Her parents placed great value on education. After completing Grade 9 by correspondence, Isabel moved to Porcupine Plain to attend high school, supporting herself through babysitting and light housework in exchange for room and board.

Inspired to pursue nursing, Isabel applied to St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, a Grey Nuns Catholic institution. Taking the train from Porcupine Plain—her first journey to a city—she began her training and graduated in 1954. She received the highest general proficiency medal for academic and clinical excellence, as well as a scholarship. Isabel maintained lifelong friendships from her nursing years and attended many reunions.

After graduation, Isabel returned home to support her younger sisters in pursuing post-secondary education. She worked at the Porcupine Plain Hospital and later at University Hospital in Saskatoon in neurosurgery, before completing a degree in Public Health Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan.

It was at a local dance in Porcupine Plain that Isabel met Samuel Zenuk, who was working as a temporary relief pharmacist. They married on October 12, 1957, purchased the pharmacy, and began their life together. Isabel chose to step away from nursing to be fully present for her children—a decision she never regretted—and later assisted Sam in the pharmacy.

Family life was at the centre of Isabel’s world. There are fond, year-round memories of the family cottage at Greenwater Lake, shared with relatives and friends. Isabel was an avid gardener and traveller, famous for her cinnamon buns, pancakes, and apple pie; her grandchildren especially loved her cookies and the ever-ready bowl of Scotch mints.

Throughout her life, Isabel demonstrated a deep commitment to serving her communities in Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan, and later in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia. Guided by her faith, she remained devoted to the Catholic Church and served on Porcupine Plain Town Council and as Chair of the Hospital and Nursing Home Board.

Isabel was known for her kindness, steady resolve, and belief in helping wherever she was needed. Her life was defined by faith, service, and enduring love. She will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Catholic Church of the Ascension, 887 Wembley Rd, Parksville, British Columbia, at 11 AM on Saturday March 7, 2026.