Lena Schapansky

Obituary

Lena Schapansky, age 92, passed away Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

She was born January 3, 1934, in Winnipeg, the daughter of John A. and Helen Driedger of Grunthal, Manitoba. She was baptized on confession of her faith at Elim Mennonite Church in Grunthal on May 25, 1953.

May 11, 1958, she married Jacob Schapansky, and they made a life living in Winnipeg and later on a farm near Île-des-Chenes, raising their family with faith and farming. Lena was a wonderful wife, loving mother and grandmother, hospitable homemaker, and good cook.

Lena was never afraid of hard work, and she worked alongside Jake with the chicken farm and in having a large garden to feed the family, sewing clothes, baking, and making meals. She loved spending time in the kitchen and was always making sure everyone had plenty to eat. She also loved entertaining and setting a nice table for Faspa.

Lena had a strong faith and loved her home church Sargent Avenue Mennonite Church where she attended all her married life and later watched online when she couldn’t physically attend. She was member of the ladies “Verein” and served many years on the funeral committee. She was a prayer warrior and held a strong faith.

We wish to thank her caregivers at Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home for their excellent care during her time there.

Lena is survived by her daughter in law Helen Schapansky, Niverville MB; son, Gary and wife Kris Schapansky, Petersburg ON; daughter Valerie and husband Steven Belknap, Inman, Kansas; son Carl and wife Tammy Schapansky, Garson MB; grandchildren Joanne Schapansky (Josh Plantz), Steven Schapansky (Meaghan Giesbrecht), Jake Schapansky. Leah Schapansky, Anthony Belknap, Tobias Belknap, Courtney Belknap and Sophia Belknap. Great-grandchildren Sophia Plantz, Harper Belknap, Jett, Wells, and Brooks Schapansky, sister Johanna Kellett, and brother Victor Driedger.

She was preceded in death by her parents John A. and Helen Driedger, husband Jacob Schapansky, son James (Jim) Schapansky, and many siblings and in-laws as well.

The Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 162 Hwy 52 W, Steinbach, MB., with viewing one hour prior to the service. Followed by a luncheon, then burial to follow at Grunthal Cemetery, Red Wing Trail, Grunthal MB.