Rhoda (nee Fesenko) Melinyshyn

She is survived by her children Matthew, Leigh, Elizabeth, and Michael (Beata), and by her grandchildren Heather (Brett), Stephen (Ashley), Emily (Jordan), Hannah, and Alexander, and by her great grandchildren Wes, Mateo, and Joey. Rhoda was predeceased by her parents Rev. Michael and Julia Fesenko. She leaves her loving sister Eleanor (Nel) Carpen.

Rhoda graduated from the University of Toronto with a First-Class Honours degree in Geology and tied with two other women for first place, winning the Colman Gold Medal.

Rhoda worked as a geologist until her children arrived, then as a homemaker, very active in church and community life. She held faith in God and in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Friend. At the same time, Rhoda resonated with Indigenous views of the Spirit throughout Nature. She taught ESL and helped develop a food garden with those experiencing homelessness. Rhoda renounced mining and was an avid supporter of justice and ecological health.

Rhoda’s love touched many lives. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, intelligence, sense of humour, and unwavering grace.

We love you, Rhoda. We will miss you on earth, but know you are with us in Spirit.

Visitation at Thornhill Presbyterian Church, Feb. 13, 2-4 pm. and 6-8 pm. Funeral service at Thornhill Presbyterian Church Feb. 14, 11 am, followed by a reception – lunch, then burial at York Cemetery.

Condolences and memories may be shared to the family at Kanejerrett-thornhill.ca.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to Dogwood Initiative, dogwoodbc.ca , and the Council of Canadians, canadians.org .