Alice Burega

Alice Burega, born October 7, 1938.

It is with a heavy heart that we say good-bye to our mother, Alice Burega, who passed away on May 12th, 2017. Mom passed peacefully in her sleep at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH). She is survived by her three sons, John, Peter and Stephen, her daughter-in-law Lisa and son-in-law David, her three grandchildren, Johnny, Robbie and Sofia, her sister and brother-in-law, Jessica and Walter Tarnopilsky and, her niece Larissa and her husband Manny and their children Katerina and Leopold.

Her indomitable spirit persevered throughout her battle with Leukemia. She fought the disease with every breath and continued to enjoy her family and friends even while in hospital. As a friend stated "she had so much to live for that she did not want to miss a day". She never lost her wit, her love for life, nor did she stop living every day to the fullest.

She was an incredible mom who put her three boys first and always made sure that they were loved, encouraged and supported. When our dad Gerry died at the early age of 51, Mom seamlessly stepped into the role of mother and father, always guiding her boys with an unwavering confidence in their strength and potential. She was the center of our universe, no matter what, and she leaves a gigantic void which will never be filled. The greatest gift that Mom gave to us was the knowledge that we could be whomever we chose and that anything we set our hearts to was possible.

She loved to play Bridge, Mah-Jong, yoga, and spent many hours reading. While ill, she dearly missed seeing all of her friends who shared her love of games and the written word.

During her illness, she was treated exceptionally by the team at the Cancer Clinic at OTMH, lead by Dr. John McPhaden and his primary nurse Marjan. Over the past few weeks she was cared for by the incredible nurses and staff on 6 South in the acute care wing of OTMH lead by Dr. Laurie Martinovic. She was made to feel at home even during the most arduous of times.

Visitation will take place at Ward's Funeral Home located at 109 Reynolds Street in Oakville, Ontario on Tuesday, May 16th from 2 until 4 and from 7 until 9pm. . Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday May 17th at 11 a.m. at St Volodymyrs Cultural Centre 1250 Dundas St. W. Oakville followed by Interment.