Irene passed away December 26, 2025. Irene was born on December 22nd, 1929, in Harbin, China to parents Boris and Valentina Glebow. When she was one year old, her family relocated to Shanghai, where she eventually graduated from Sacred Heart Convent and then Shanghai Business College. Irene’s life in Shanghai was dominated by sports at the Soviet Sports Club, with her days spent playing Grass Hockey, Volleyball, Netball and Track and Field. She was the captain of some of those teams. She met the love of her life, George Zellenskey, at the Club on May 4th, 1949. The two were married in November of that year, and 500 people attended the wedding. Irene and George’s first daughter, Valentina, was born on Feb 12th, 1951, and two years later, the family immigrated to Canada. Their second daughter, Victoria, was born on November 8th, 1953. George and Irene had a wonderful marriage of 36 years. George worked as a compositor for the Times Colonist and Irene in the insurance business. Sadly, George passed away from lung cancer after a short illness in 1986. Following George’s passing, Irene went on a long trip to Australia to visit friends. Upon returning, she decided to volunteer at the Victoria General Hospital gift shop, a position she kept for 35 years. In 1987, Irene met Sam at a widow and widowers’ ball, where they danced the night away. Sam proposed to Irene in front of the Fountain of Trevi in Italy, and on December 5th, 1987, they were married. Sam and Irene travelled the world many times over and lived life to the fullest. After 28.5 years of adventures together, Sam passed away in 2016.
Irene enriched the life of anyone around her and smothered her family with unconditional love and affection. She had 4 grandchildren: Andrew, Nicole, Maxwell and Duncan. They referred to her as Baba and thought the world of her. As a Baba, Irene was impeccable, always being there for her grandchildren in any way she could. Be it family dinners, Christmas gatherings or vacations, she always found any excuse to bring the family together and spend as much time as possible with the ones she loved. In later years, she became a great grandmother to George, Kobe, Kruz, Elodie, Cohen and Turner. It brought her so much joy to have yet another generation to spread her love to, and she spent as much time as she could with each of them.
Irene was diagnosed with throat cancer at 90 but fought it off with radiation treatments and her strong will to have more time with us. She stayed active all the way up until the end, as a member of the CB55 club, playing ping pong, pickleball and going for regular walks. Her throat cancer returned at age 95. On December 22nd, 2025, she dressed in her wedding dress, had her makeup done by her granddaughter Nikki, and attended her 96th birthday party with the family, determined to celebrate one last time, as the life of the party. A few days later, on Boxing Day, she left us, just as bravely as she lived each day of her life and surrounded by all the people she loved most.
Irene’s final words were: “I love you all so much, more than you will ever know.”
But we know Baba, we know.
Irene is survived by her daughters Tina (Walt) and Vicky, grandchildren Andy, Nicole (Ryan), Max (Ali), Duncan (Alexis), and her great grandchildren George, Kobe, Kruz, Elodie, Cohen and Turner.
We will have a family Celebration of Life.
In Lieu of donations please buy flowers for someone you love, in honour of Irene!
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Dumka” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
-
Barb Waldner
-
Dianne Mykyte We met Irene and Sam many years ago in Roadaven, Arizona. So many dinners, so many celebrations, hiking, dancing, Irene was the consumate hostess. We visited them in Victoria, they came to us in Osoyoos and we kept in touch over the years. Love of family and friends was paramount to Irene. She was a sparkler in life… I am sorry to hear she is gone. Condolences to all the family… there is a hole in your life.
-
Eileen Doucet Deepest condolences to the family of Aunt Irene. I have great memories of her and Uncle Sam coming to visit our family in Nova Scotia many years ago in their R.V. She introduced me to the “caesar”. To this day I still think of her whenever I have one. She truly loved life and Uncle Sam loved her so much. How fortunate they were to enjoy such a wonderful and active life together.
-
Mascha Driessen We met Irene & Sam in Thailand, when we were at our honeymoon as a young couple of 24 and 29. This was in October 1995, and we stayed in contact thru social media. Every year we got the sweetest online Christmas card, writing how they lived their lives enjoying it to the fullest. Three things were always present: their love for each other, the passion for travelling and how proud they were on their growing family. How sad we felt when Sam passed away, but the pride and love for the family gave her strength.
Even though we are Dutch and live in Amsterdam, we always felt the connection. Just a few months ago, we celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary and each year we remember this great couple we met in Oct 1995.
We deeply care and our heart is broken reading dear Irene has passed away. We do know her heart is with Sam now, reunited with her dearest Sam and back together again to do what they always loved so much: hand in hand together on a new journey to destination unknown.
Our deepest condolences,
Erik Jan & Mascha Driessen
The Netherlands
-
Olga Godoroja Dear Vicky and Tina and families,
Your loss is such a deeply felt one…I share this with you as I mourn the loss of the dearest of friends- one who has been close to me for more than half a century. Irochka was a dynamo, a firecracker, a sparkling personality that emanated sunshine wherever she went. She was an inspiration and great support to me in every way.
She adored every member of her family- big and small- and she was accepting and inclusive. Her effervescent spirit ensured that she made instant friendships worldwide!
She was always active, positive and encouraging. Because of this, while travelling, we were able to create and share many beautiful and memorable experiences. Whether it was searching for an obscure ingredient for a new recipe she was trying out or hunting for an unbeatable bargain, she left an indelible mark on everyone’s lives.
I will really feel the absence of such a special and beloved friend.
Please accept my condolences….
With greatest love,
Olga( Tania, Andrei, Lucy and Tony and families)
-
Dorothy bulka I miss my dear Irene. We played ping pong at cb 55. It was always a pleasure to have a chat with her. She was so much more to me :a mentor, a trusted friend, an inspiration. My deepest condolences.
-
Nadia Ognistoff My heartful condolences to Tina and Vicky and their families. I am grieving with you all. It will take a while for me to be convinced that my lifelong friend is no more. Thank you, Vicky’nka, for bringing mother to Vancouver on my 100th birthday. The best present I could ever receive.
Our friendship is a lifelong history between the two families. When Irene’s mother Valia and her father Boris Glebow married in Harbin, China, they shared a house with my husband Frank’s father Gregory and his mother Maria Ognistoff.
Years later they were reunited in Shanghai, China, and resumed their friendship. Their son Tolia and my husband Frank were great friends. I met Irene when she was 5 years and I was 9. She was in kindergarten in the same school as me. Later, my first office job in Shanghai was with Irene’s father Boris’ insurance company. Irene was working there too. I was Irene’s bridesmaid at her wedding to George in Shanghai. I arrived in Vancouver in
1952, and Irene and George, along with Tina, came in 1953, eventually settling in Victoria. Despite being across the Georgia Strait from one another, we continued meeting and celebrating our important dates together for all the decades to come: birthdays, anniversaries, and certainly New Years’. We formed a large crowd, almost all of us old friends from China.
Irene’s father Boris Glebow came to Victoria to live with Irene and my father-in-law Gregory Ognistoff joined us in Vancouver. The two old friends frequently saw each other and continued their friendship.
And now we have come to the end of our lives. Rest, my beloved friend Irochka. You are always in my heart.
-
Shirley Andersen Sending sincere sympathy to Irene Dumka’s families as you deal with such a great loss.
I was so sorry to hear of Irene’s passing. I had the honour of knowing Irene from volunteering with her at the Victoria General Gift Shop. Irene always welcomed everyone with a smile and a greeting, that put one at ease right away. As you all know she was one spunky little lady, that had such a great sense of humour, and outlook on life. Always mentioned her family, whom she loved dearly and was so proud of. More times than not, Irene let you know that she was still out there doing her thing (as she often said) and was well over 90. Irene, we will miss you, I just loved it that you always had your Sass on. You will be remembered fondly by all that had the privilege of meeting and knowing you. Rest in peace Irene, I will miss our chats, your sass, that adorable smile of yours, and you personally. Shirley
-
Lee Curtis Dear Tina And Vicky. My sister Pat just informed me of your mom‘s passing. I didn’t realize she was gone. Everyone who knew your mom also knew how wonderful she was. She was so caring and helpful. My sister Pat, and I always enjoyed our time with your family at Shawnigan. Dad and I had a great time reminiscing with you guys and your mom last year. Your mom’s spirit is with you too now. Her example will help guide you for the rest of your days. Sending my love.
Lee
-
Muriel Sitter I have known Irene for 43 years, when she hired me in 1982 at the insurance office where she worked. We stayed in touch. Irene was a wonderful person, a fantastic cook and a good friend. I loved hearing about her life in China and about her move to Canada with all the changes that entailed. My condolences to her family which she always talked about with much love and pride. Muriel
-
Heather Dumka I am so sorry to hear about Irene’s passing. I enjoyed visiting her and Uncle Sam when I was in Victoria, and she always kept in touch – even this Christmas season, when she sent me a Christmas note and ecard. My condolences to the family.
-
John and Gail Sutherland Our heartfelt condolences, Vicky and Tina. We know you were so close to your Mom and have many wonderful memories to look back on. I remember Irene working tirelessly at the VGH Auxiliary Store and always smiling while doing her job. May all your family memories bring you comfort as you grieve her loss. Hugs from both of us.
-
Judy Rioux So full of life was “our dear Irene”. I had the pleasure of working along with her at the Victoria General Hospital Gift Shop as one of many Auxiliaries. She had such a zest for life, and by reading the beautiful obituary written by her family, was loved by many. Her great sense of humour was always appreciated and she was such a lady. Nothing ever seemed to get her down. I, and I’m sure many others will miss her terribly.
Rest in Peace, Irene.
XO
-
Pat Tancock Our sincerest condolences Tina, Vicky, and your families. Your mom was such a lovely lady and will be missed by so many. I remember how much fun our families had together at Shawnigan, and party or two at your home. I am so very happy we got to reunite your mom and my dad last year and again this year. So many happy memories.
Sending big hugs to you all.
-
Georgina So sorry to hear of Irene’s passing. She was a lovely lady. I met Irene and Sam as members of the Esquimalt Wardroom. Later on I worked with her at the Victoria General Hospital Gift Shop. Even at 90 she could out work ladies half her age….and looked so good doing it. She was always immaculate…even in her pink smock. One year I was in Waikiki at the same time as her and she invited me over to her condo for dinner….dinner was delicious…she was an amazing cook. But most of all she loved her family. She will be greatly missed by them all.
-
Bob & Joette Burrows Irene was a hoot! She was a fabulous hostess, along with George as host, for fun family holiday dinners.
Irene always was beautifully turned out. Lovely outfits and gorgeous skin. And as said, she adored her family!
Our hearts go out to Irene’s entire family, and to our sister-in-law Tina and my dear friend Vicky.
Rest well, dearest Irene.
Sincerely, Joette and Bob
-
Tracey Walker I was fortunate enough to meet Irene at the CB55+ Mahjong group. What a zest for life and positive outlook she had – we should all try to emulate it! She told everyone and anyone how much she loved her family and how grateful she was to each and every one of them for all the support and love the provided her with. My heart goes out to the entire family at this very difficult time. Irene’s was a life well lived!!
-
Joan Jones My deepest condolences to Vicky, Tina and all the family. My mother-in-law, Holly Jones, considered Irene one of her dearest friends. She was so warm and engaging and always took an interest in Holly’s family. My sons Michael and David were also saddened to hear of Irene’s passing, as they have fond memories of her from when they were young children. Irene was especially helpful to me in helping me navigate Holly’s later years. I will always appreciate Irene’s genuine kindness, insights, and bright personality.
-
Paul Turje Dear Tina and Vicky,
I am so sorry to hear this. Your mother was blessed to live a long and full life. You will feel the ache of her passing forever, as all of us feel when our parents pass. I will feel the ache with you because I grew up with you, and your parents were Uncle and Auntie in spirit to my brother and me. My thoughts are with you. Peter and I will see you at the Celebration of Life. Please keep me in the loop.
Paul Turje
-
Milka Wallace My sincere condolences to family and friends, your neighbor and friend
Milka Wallace ( the flower girl) RIP Irene!
-
Maureen Freeman Dear Vicky, Tina and your loved ones Your mother was an amazing woman! I ran into her at the grocery store last year and we had a wonderful conversation… I told her how amazing she looked and what an inspiration she is to many! She was so modest about it which made it even more inspiring! Being who she is/was you know for sure she’s receiving her wings to be an angel for all of you! I KNOW she has had an amazing welcoming and reunion with your Dad and many others sending you much love Maureen Freeman (Moe to you Vicky!)
-
Pam Chang-kue I am privileged to have known Irene from the Mah Jong group at CB50+Senior’s Club.
She was a special friend to me because she was brought up in China and lived there
for many years. I took Irene out to dinner for Chinese Food as she told me she could not
find proper Chinese food in Victoria! She loved it and she sat next to me at my 90th
birthday celebration last October. I will always remember Irene,so amazingly kind
and gracious. I will miss her dearly. May she rest in peace.With deepest condolences to the family,
Pam Chang-Kue
-
Chris McInnes Your mom had a long , interesting and fulfilling life Vick. Thinking of you and your family as you go through this difficult time. This is a lovely and well deserved tribute to her❣️
-
Marianne and Don Hladiuk Our deepest condolences to all the family on the loss of your mom, Baba and great Baba! We always enjoyed when she and Uncle Sam passed through Calgary and spent time with us. We still have the crocheted clown she gave our children so many years ago where you could strap the clowns legs to their own and could dance with it! She and Uncle Sam are probably dancing in heaven now as well as her first husband whose pictures she had above her bed so they could watch over her! Our last visit with Aunty Irene was just under two years ago-she was 94 and we couldn’t leave till we ate two bowls of her lovely borscht! Always the lovely hostess! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all Don and Marianne Hladiuk -Calgary
-
Natasha Merkuloff It’s hard to believe Aunt Irene is gone. My heart goes out to all of you. She did love you all, telling me all your accomplishments every time I’d see her.
-
Maureen Hinz Vicki and family so sorry to hear of your mum’s passing. I know how close you were to her and what a wonderful mum and grandma she was to you all.
deepest condolences Maureen and Bernie Hinz
-
Rich Vroman OMG. Condolences from me. Please keep me posted concerning the Celebration of Life.
Dear Tina and Vicky. What a dear little soul your Mum was. I knew her through Cordova Bay 55+ where I watched her gladly help wherever she was needed, always willing to assist, besides taking part in several activities offered at the Centre. Such zest, energy, elan, and zeal, all fueled by a personality of huge proportions for such a tiny person. She is missed by everyone who knew her at 55+ and, on behalf of all her friends there, I extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Most sincerely, Barb Waldner