Lydia Bojesen, née Lobach, was born on October 19, 1942, in Highvale, Alberta. She was one of fifteen children born to Alexsy Lobach, originally from Kreyexslsk, Poland, (now the Ukraine), and Matruma Lobach, née Soroka, born in Ukraine.
Her parents immigrated to Canada in June 1930 after facing persecution for their Christian beliefs. They settled west of Edmonton in Tomahawk, Alberta, where they received land under the Homestead Act. Lydia was born on their second farm in Highvale, where she grew up surrounded by a large, loving family.
Ukrainian was spoken in the family home, and Lydia was raised with strong Christian values. Life on the farm meant everyone contributed. Lydia and her siblings helped with farm duties, assisted their mother with household chores, and cared for one another. These early experiences helped shape Lydia into the caring, generous, and loving person her family and friends would come to know.
In 1957, the family moved to Cloverdale, British Columbia, where they purchased a farm on the flats. Lydia attended Lord Tweedsmuir Senior Secondary School and graduated in 1961.
In her twenties, Lydia and one of her sisters moved to Vancouver, where she began her working life as a library assistant in the interlibrary loan department at UBC’s Woodward Library. During her single years, she enjoyed travelling to Hawaii and along the West Coast of the United States.
It was in Vancouver that Lydia’s life took a wonderful turn. She enrolled in tennis lessons through a YMCA recreation program, where her instructor was Eric, who was studying for his master’s degree in education at UBC. One day, Eric visited the interlibrary loan department to obtain books for a research paper, and Lydia helped him. In return, Eric offered her private tennis lessons. Lydia later typed his research paper, and Eric showed his gratitude with more tennis lessons. What began as tennis lessons blossomed into a friendship, courtship and, eventually, a lifelong partnership.
Lydia and Eric were married on December 22, 1973, at West Point Baptist Church, where they both attended.
Lydia supported Eric throughout his teaching career, embracing the changes and moves that came with it. In 1974, they moved to Risky Creek. Next move was to Alkali Lake. Lydia volunteered at the local schools and, on two occasions, welcomed Indigenous children into their home while their parents attended alcohol rehabilitation programs. Her willingness to help others reflected the compassion and generosity that had been part of her nature since childhood.
Their son, Martin, was born in 1976 in Williams Lake. In 1977, the family moved to the 108 Mile area, where Lydia and Eric purchased a home on 108 Mile Lake. Their daughter, Christina, was born in 1978.
During these years, Lydia devoted herself to raising her children while also taking on part-time work and volunteering in the 108 Mile community church. Her family remained at the centre of her life, and she worked hard to create a loving home wherever their journey took them.
In 1987, Lydia and Eric moved to Ontario following Eric’s career change to York University. They initially lived in Unionville, where Lydia worked part-time at the Scarborough Library. In 1988, they purchased a home in Barrie, where they lived until 2005. Lydia continued working part-time at the Barrie Public Library while balancing her responsibilities as a homemaker and caring for her family. Throughout these years, she also enjoyed recreational activities such as tennis and cross-country skiing.
While living in the Ontario, Lydia was close to her brother and his family, and she hosted many family gatherings. She was loved by her nieces and by everyone who enjoyed the delicious meals she prepared.
In 2005, Lydia and Eric retired and moved to Kamloops, British Columbia, to be closer to their children. Martin and his wife, Kim, were living in Kamloops, while Christina and Craig were in Vancouver.
After purchasing a home with a large lot, Lydia pursued her love of gardening, tending both a vegetable garden and beautiful flower gardens. She certainly had a green thumb. Going for walks with friends and tennis were among her favourite recreational activities, but her greatest happiness came from spending time with her grandchildren, Logan and Ella, Martin and Kim's children, as well as Magnus, Christina and Craig's son. She especially cherished visiting them during their early years and being part of their lives as they grew. Lydia also loved to cook, sharing her passion for food with her family through countless delicious meals, many inspired by her Ukrainian heritage.
Lydia loved to travel with Eric as he travelled to participate in the World Senior Team Tennis Championships. Together, they visited Australia, Europe, Croatia, Turkey, and many states throughout the USA. At each destination, they extended their stay so they could explore the beauty and culture of the surrounding area.
In recent years, Lydia became active at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, volunteering with “Helping Hands” and participating in Women’s Bible study. Her faith continued to be an important part of her life.
Following a hemorrhagic stroke in June 2025, Lydia spent her final year at Westsyde Landing, a long-term care community. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of September 15, 2026.
Lydia was incredibly kind-hearted and devoted to her family and friends. Her husband, Eric, was her first love, and she was deeply loved and cherished by him and by all who knew her.
Lydia will be remembered for her positive attitude, her gratitude for life, her deep and abiding Christian faith, and, above all, her love for her family.
Lydia leaves behind her beloved husband, Eric; her son, Martin, and daughter-in-law, Kim; her daughter, Christina, and son-in-law, Craig; and her three cherished grandchildren, Logan, Ella, and Magnus. She is also lovingly remembered by her older sisters, Jenny and Rose, and her younger siblings, John, Alec, and Barbara, along with extended family and friends.
Lydia’s life was one of faith, family, service, and love. From her childhood on an Alberta farm to the many communities she called home, she carried with her the values she had learned growing up: to care for others, to share what she had, and to appreciate the blessings in life.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy lives on in her family, in the kindness she extended to others, and in the faith that sustained her throughout her life.
May she rest in the loving arms of her Saviour, and may the memories of her life bring comfort to all who mourn her passing.
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St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church