April 9, 1922 - February 10, 2013
The passing of an era and an amazing woman.
Galina Loboda Fernbach (Helen) was born in Harbin, Manchuria, China on April 9, 1922 to Varvara and Nicholas Loboda. She survived the Stalin era and World War II, losing all of her family. Alone she crossed Europe, the front-lines and finally an ocean to reach freedom. She was a cover-girl beauty and planned a career in fashion design in New York until she met her future husband in Toronto. She was married to Erwin Fernbach for 31 years, and her great joy was her daughter Tatjana (Tanya), nicknamed Kiki. In her 60s, divorced and retired from Scotiabank, Helen’s life bloomed anew with the birth of her two grandsons, James and Andrew (Ricky) and bedtimes with the ‘stupid stories’. She became known to all as Babi and her greatest joy was the love, laughter and cooking that so many friends, young and old, shared at her beloved cottage. She lived life with zest and a smile, even into her 80s - decorating her famous 16’ Christmas trees, taking her first grandchild on the great European tour and cruising with friends.
Her legacy is the strength, determination and passion for life that Kiki, James and Ricky will continue to celebrate. Her son-in-law James Sr will miss her dearly, as will all her many friends. We were so lucky to have her for so long.
Somewhere in the world is the sister she was separated from around 1942, suffering her entire life not knowing what became of her. Her name is Tatiana Bialabrova Shramko or Shromko and if anyone can help us find her we would be very grateful.
Helen was all about family.
A Funeral Service will be held from the Jerrett Funeral Home, North York Chapel, 6191 Yonge Street (2 lights south of Steeles Ave.), Toronto On Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 4:30 pm. Visitation will be held before the service at 4:00 pm and following the service until 6:00 pm. Cremation.
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