It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Tamara on Sunday April 10th, 2022 in Victoria, BC.
Tamara was born in Coventry, England on September 28th, 1952, the first daughter of Leon and Mary Mitrofaniuk. She is predeceased by her father Leon and brother David and survived by her mother Mary, brothers Nick and Michael, sister Catherine, as well as her nephews, nieces and great nephews and nieces.
Tamara was educated in Coventry, England and worked for a number of businesses local to the area before working in Saudi Arabia for 6 years. Tamara made the move to Canada, originally settling in Calgary, kindly supported by family, until she got herself established independently. After 3 years Tamara moved to Victoria where she worked for Veterans Affairs for 16 years and where she made many great friends.
Tamara enjoyed returning to the UK and Ireland regularly to visit family and friends. She loved Irish music and dancing, ballroom dancing and gardening.
Tamara will be greatly missed by her family, her many friends and family in Canada, England, Ireland and Ukraine.
Special thanks to the Royal Jubilee Hospital, Palliative Care ward for their care and kindness.
Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Cross Church, 4049 Gordon Head Road, Victoria, B.C., on Friday April 22nd at 2:00 pm with reception to follow. At Tamara’s request please wear a splash of colour to celebrate her life. A Memorial Mass will be held in Coventry, England at a date to be arranged.
Tributes in lieu of flowers, if desired, may be made to the Canadian Red Cross, Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
33 Responses
Tamara was an intelligent, strong, kind auntie and great aunt; a powerful soul and a leader at heart. We are very sad not to have seen her over the last 2 and a half years but our numerous video calls and her eloquent emails helped fill that void. Auntie Tamara’s tales of travel, work, family history and her knowledge of the world was fascinating.
Tamara was proud of her friends and family, proud of her past and her roots and rightly so proud of herself.
Auntie Tamara you will be greatly missed. You fought bravely with your usual spirit, now rest peacefully.
Always in our thoughts, your nephew Mark, Amy and your great nephews: Roman and Luca xx
From Koo,
My family and I would like to share condolences to Tamara’s family and her close friends. I know she cared and love them dearly.
Tamara and I started working at Veterans Affairs the same year. We had a lot in common being from the same town, growing up in the same area around the same time. What were the odds of that; we were both so far away from home and had so much to talk about. I loved stopping at her desk to talk about the old country. She was very interesting, intelligent, witty, hardworking and always made time for others. I enjoyed getting together outside of work, we had some good laughs. What I will remember most is her kindness, humour and smile. I am glad our paths crossed. Tamara, you have a dear place in my heart, thank you for your friendship you will be really missed.
To Tamara’s family I am so truly sorry for your loss – those of us who knew her loved her so very much. Tamara was sharp as a tack, funny and fun loving, serious and insightful- we were ever more able to solve the worlds problems or laugh about the ironies of life over a glass of wine. So incredibly generous Tamara let me stay in her suite when my marriage fell apart – simply telling me to pay it forward. In your honour I have and will continue to look for opportunities, dear friend.
Tamara and I worked together at Veterans Affairs Canada for many years. As a fellow Brit we bonded over many things especially the need for the water to come to a full rolling boil to make a good cup of tea! Tamara was smart and diligent and wrote detailed client notes which left no stone unturned and demonstrated her true care, compassion and respect for all of the Veterans with whom she worked. She was forthright and direct always asking those difficult questions which ultimately assisted and supported the work of the entire Veteran services team. I loved her British sense of humour and hearing about her trips home to see her dear family and friends. As they say, Tamara was clearly ‘one of the good ones’ with a huge heart and a winning smile. I feel so privileged and grateful to have known her. My heartfelt condolences to her family and closest friends. Rest In Peace, my friend, and keep that kettle boiling❤️
Tamara was a person with an amazing personality; a winning smile; and a very ‘catching’ laugh. She shared her love of family with her friends, and also shared her ‘very level thinking’!! Thank you, Tamara, for letting me be one of your friends.
My heart goes out to Tamara’s family at this sad time. Thoughts and condolences to you all.
Tamara fought her illness with such bravery and positivity throughout.
I shall cherish the precious memories of our friendship which grew from being neighbours while living in Dhahran. We had some great fun times.
Tamara was an intelligent, kind, and generous person with such a lovely smile, and will be hugely missed.
An angel too soon
Rest in peace Tamara
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Tamara. A good friend who will be dearly missed. We met in Saudi. I have many fond memories to treasure. Rest in Peace Tamara.
Thinking of Tamara brings a smile to my face. I remember having such belly laughs with Tamara over things such as cultural differences. She gave so much to others. Tamara had such a zest for life. I am so blessed to have known her. I would like to offer my condolences to Tamara’s family and friends. When she spoke of her family her smile would widen and her eyes would crinkle. I like to imagine Tamara embracing her father and brother and watching over all of us.
Rest peacefully my dear Tamara. You fought so courageously. I am grateful for so many wonderful memories to keep close in my heart. Our family will never forget you.
Sincere condolences to Mary, Nick, Michael, Catherine and the extended family on the sad passing of Tamara.
May she Rest in Peace.
From Peter, Úna, Peadar and Dearbhla Molloy, Kilcar, Co. Donegal, Ireland.