It is with deep sadness that we say Lydia has left us on March 20th 2026 peacefully with close family by her side. She leaves behind her loving Husband – Victor, Sons – Daniel, daughter-in-law Natalia, Mark, Brother – George Hanus, Lenore, niece Danielle, Sister-in-law - Stella and Murray Sinclair, son Jeff, Sister-in-law - Lilia and Hank Masternak, sons Steven, Matthew, Michael and Andrew, Aunts Jozia Szaniawski, and Teresa Szczygielski

Stanley and Marisa Hanus brought Lydia into this world on November 10, 1956, five minutes before her twin brother George. As an older child, she always stood up for her younger brother. It was during her teenage years she was a dancer with local Toronto Polish folkdance ensembles, performing in Poland, southern Ontario, the east coast, for the Prime Minster of Canada, and the Governor General of Canada. She made many friends while with the ensembles. It was during that time that she met and married her dance partner Victor.

As a young mother, Lydia was a stay at home mom and dedicated her life to Daniel and Mark. After twelve years, she worked at the Oakville Scouts Canada store and eventually became a store manager until she retired. While with Scouts Canada, Lydia participated in World jamborees across Canada and in the USA meeting and making new friends. Lydia was also a Eucharistic Minster at St. Dominic’s church for many years.

Lydia was an avid “polkaholic” who loved going to Polka dances across southern Ontario, on cruises, in St Maarten, and the Dominican Republic. She made many new friends at these functions. She also loved travelling to other countries like Poland, Germany, Japan, various Caribbean Islands meeting family, friends and making new friends.

Lydia loved hosting family and friends. She would always help with meals for birthdays and family reunions. She followed Polish traditions for Easter, Thanks giving and Christmas. No one ever left hungry. Lydia believed in an old Polish tradition of “a guest in the house, a god in the house (gosc w dom, Bog w dom)”. When visiting friends at a cottage, Lydia always made sure to bring food and take turns preparing meals for her time there. This was her way of saying thank you.

Lydia’s last words “Life lessons. Nothing for granted, say it when you can, be kind even when your ticked, love you all.”

Thanks to the Dr Ghate, Dr Youssef, Dr Swan, Dr Khera, dr Cui and the nursing staff at ICU unit (Jen, Shirley, Selena, Risa, Sue, Michelle, Yana, Karl, Alex, Taryn, Julia, Helena, Natasha, Claire, Shana, Sam, Susan, Colin, Hillary, Kathaleen and Andrea) for their professionalism, compassion, respect and dignity they gave in attending to Lydia.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital in Lydia’s honour would be appreciated.