Nina KLEJA

NINA KLEJA (nee Kulikowski) Nina passed away suddenly after living an active and independent life to the very end on September 25, 2021 at the age of 97. Loving mother to Anna, devoted grandmother to Katrina and predeceased by her husband Les. Born and raised in Ukraine, Nina lived through the Holodomor (Terror-Famine) from 1932-1933 and the Nazi German occupation of her homeland during World War II. The advancing Russian army into Ukraine forced Nina to flee with her parents to Poland in the middle of the night and eventual refuge to Hamburg, leaving behind her dear sister Maria and her extended family. Following the end of the war, Nina and her parents found freedom and a new home in Australia where she learned a new language, a new way of life, met her beloved husband Les (Ladislav) who emigrated from Slovakia, and where her daughter was born. Finally settling in Canada years later, Nina was a true survivor - resilient, strong, courageous and independent, always wanting the best opportunities for her family, celebrating family milestones or holidays and cooking Ukrainian meals and doting on her beloved granddaughter Katrina (Katrinka). Nina remained strong in body, mind and spirit and aged gracefully, youthful for her 97 years. Determined to remain in her home, she was able to do so with the care of her dedicated and loving caregiver Claire, walking each day around the neighbourhood with the assistance of Claire and her cane. She was the neighbourhood Grandmother, a friend to many, cherished by her daughter and granddaughter and family in Ukraine, Slovakia and Germany. She is an inspiration to us all. A funeral will be held Monday, October 4, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Pine Hills Cemetery and Funeral Centre. Visitation from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Interment to follow at Pine Hills Cemetery, 625 Birchmount Road, Scarborough ON M1K 1R1.