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.
27 Responses
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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!!