June 29, 1976 – December 3, 2024 (48 years)
Our beloved mother and wife, Viktoriya Serbina Vasylivna, passed away on December 3, 2024. She was 48 years old and was and is our “Mama Bear.” She is survived by husband, Richard Gillard, her daughter, Anna Serbina, and the three cats Whiskey, Loki, and Chmoki (as Mom called him).
Viktoriya was born in Kamianets- Podilskyi, Ukraine. It was there where she met her husband, the love of her life, before starting a life in Canada. Viktoriya received an infinite number of degrees and diplomas, including Practical Psychologist (Kamianets-Podilskyi State University), Management of Organizations (Kharkiv National Economic University) and recently, Software Tester/QA Analyst (Hitek Computer School in Vancouver, British Columbia). The list of Viktoriya’s education, skills and accomplishments can go on forever.
Viktoriya was and is a woman of power and resiliency. She was always a woman with a plan, and sometimes, there was no plan, but Viktoriya (Vika) would create a plan as she went. Vika lived life to the fullest, always seeking adrenaline-filled adventures. Most importantly, Vika lived for her daughter, Anna Serbina.
Viktoriya was both the most serious and least serious person wrapped up into one. Viktoriya’s hard work, dedication, crazy experimental cooking, loud dance music and insane humour will be missed by everyone who has met our Viktoriya. She has touched the hearts of everyone around her, caring and running after everyone but herself. Viktoriya always prioritized others before herself.
Viktoriya, our gorgeous mom and wife, was the best cook in this universe. From day to night, she created everything out of nothing. Viktoriya had an unmeasurable love for fishing, swimming, horseback riding, putting on the greatest dinners anybody could ever experience, and living the cottage life with the family.
In the words of Vika’s daughter- “Mama, I will never understand why the world has taken you from me. All I know is that you lived for me. You were and are my mom, my sister and my best friend all in one. I know that I am the center of your universe, so much that you did not have time for yours. I know how much you fought for everything and how much you wanted everything for me. I wanted to tell you how much I love you and how much everyone around you loves you. The world is extremely quiet without you.”
Leaving a great legacy to live up to, in every dance and even in the creative food designs, Mama Bear is right there with the mark of her teachings that will be carried on forever.
Our beautiful mom, we hope you are riding all the horses you ever wanted and have hundreds of cats riding with you. We hope that you catch all the fish you ever wanted and continue to show your infinite talents in your new life.
You are the mom that everyone has referred to, “Is that really your mom? You are so lucky. I wish I had a mom like that”.
In keeping with Viktoriya’s family’s wishes, a small family and friends service was held at Voyage Funeral Home, Winnipeg. Viktoriya, our beautiful blue-eyed mom, will rest in Harrow, Ontario-a place she called heaven.
