In Loving Memory of
Alla Lesa Danciu
1945 - 2024
Obituary of Alla Lesa Danciu
Alla Lesa Danciu, a beloved mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2024, at the age of 79, with her family by her side. She was a beloved mother to Greg Donskov and Jason Alexander Kirstein. Cherished sister to Halina Bobrow and dear aunt to Alla and Michael Marks and Tammy Carpenter. Great-aunt to Vera. Also missed by the Todosow family. Alla Lesa was predeceased by her partner Brian Kelly (2023). She will also be remembered by his family.Born on Valentine's Day in war-torn Carlsbad, Czech Republic, Alla Lesa's early life was marked by remarkable courage and resilience. Born on the run, escaping Stalin's regime along with her mother, father, and elder sister. An artistic family of talented musicians and scholars, she carried this strength throughout her life. Alla Lesa's journey led her to become a professional ballerina and a dancer with The Original Canadettes, renowned as the longest chorus line in the world (the 1952 Canadettes contained sixty women). Her talents extended to modeling and later to a dedicated 28-year career with the Toronto District School Board as a gifted music and ESL teacher. Her kindness and dedication touched countless lives of over three generations of students from more than 60 ethnicities. Alla Lesa's compassion went beyond the classroom; she welcomed new immigrants to Canada with open arms, providing assistance finding housing and making meals to those in need. Eventually she began teaching cooking classes, which she thrived in. Alla Lesa's passion for cooking was a natural extension of her love for cultural diversity, and she could often be found incorporating the rich culinary traditions she learned from her students' backgrounds into her home cooking.
Alla Lesa was a kind, thoughtful human being and a trailblazer who, in the early 60's, produced and conducted her choir, cutting a record. She had boundless energy and vitality, whether she was conducting a 300-voice choir at Massey Hall or nurturing her two sons as a single mom. She was a beacon of light to everyone who knew her. Her beautiful smile lit up a room; her relentless optimism and boundless love were an inspiration. Alla Lesa was a vibrant social butterfly who embraced every challenge with optimism. Even in her final year at St. Charles Co-Op Village, where she thrived in her social setting, Alla Lesa remained actively involved, helping out with piano and choir services and various social events. Her energy and love for life were evident to all who knew her.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at St. Charles Co-Op Village, who provided Alla Lesa with a nurturing and joyful place to live out her final year. Thank you also to the Oncologists and the excellent team at Walker Family Cancer Centre, and the doctors and palliative care team at Hotel Dieu Shaver for their empathy, kindness and tender care.
Alla Lesa's light will forever shine in the hearts of those she touched, along with those that had the good fortune of knowing her.
In keeping with Alla Lesa's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of her life will be held at a later date. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Walker Family Cancer Centre, your local SPCA or to the Owl Foundation.
Service Information
There are no upcoming public services scheduled or the service has occurred in the past.Write a Condolence
You can post a condolence to the family below (up to 200 words). To add a photo, click on the camera icon. If you plan on making a donation, please notify the family by posting your intent in a condolence.
Donations
The family of Alla Lesa Danciu would like you to consider placing a donation to one of the following charities:
Walker Family Cancer CentreVisit Site
The Owl Foundation
Visit Site
Donations in Alla's memory may also be made to your local SPCA.
Note: If you plan on making a donation, please notify the family by posting a condolence.
Never to be outdone, your birthday was on Valentine’s Day.
This year’s Valentine’s is tough.
Despite the exhausting treatments and challenges, you braved it all with laughter, courage, grace, and positivity over the last year and a half with me. It’s difficult for me to accept that 5 months have now passed. How I wish you were still here, how I miss you; no words can express.
💔 You were my favorite person on earth.There’s a void, a hole in my heart that cannot be filled. One learns to live with it. The waves of grief come and go, no longer tsunamis, but still, I hold my breath and try to take comfort in knowing you are no longer in pain. I aim to honour you by striving to exude that same perpetual optimism that came so naturally to you. I hear your voice telling me:
“Make the most of life. Be grateful. Never take anything for granted: your health, your closest friends, your ability to choose… not because you have to, but because you can.”
Not a day goes by that I don’t wake up wanting to hear your voice or call you on the phone. I start every day expressing how much I love and miss you. You were my home, my heart, my compass, my support, my advocate, and my voice of reason. Tenacious, always on a mission, leading with kindness and empathy.
I would give anything to have you here a little longer. It still seems unfair that you were taken so abruptly. But I will always celebrate your life—sharing your impact, your generosity, your laughter, and that light-up-a-room smile.
So this Valentine’s Day, I promise to smile through the tears as I commemorate your beautiful soul. You did so much and touched so many lives. I take comfort in what you always told me:
“I love you with all my heart, and that means a lot coming from a true Valentine. Be healthy, be happy. Love, Mom.”
You were one of a kind. Thank you for being the best mother a son could ever have. Happy Birthday & Happy Valentine’s Day, Mom. ❤️
I hope to see you again someday, but it’s not my time yet.
We are so sorry to hear of Lesa’s passing. While we didn’t know her well, only saying hello or good morning in passing, she always seemed in good spirits. Her friends at Lake Rich Village in Florida will miss her.
I feel great sadness for the loss of my dear friend. We connected immediately many yers ago after moving to our adult lifestyle community. Our interests were the same. Both of us were born in Europe . We both loved cooking , had modelled in the past, came from a very musical and artistic background and loved nature. We were able to enjoy a bird sanctuary in our backyard since we were only one door away from each other. We shared the bunnies and other little creatures and . our thriving gardens often became a topic of conversation. We called each other, kindred spirits. our political views were not always the same so we avoided the topic. While I fostered babies for our local family services. Lisa would often visit and tenderly hold a baby in her arms, smiling, and happy to be present. I will definitely miss her , especially on Valentine’s Day. ♥️
Sending heartfelt condolences to Greg. It was a pleasure being a part of her journey.
Such a talented and beautiful lady. Sending our most heartfelt condolences to our friend Greg Donskov and the whole family.
Lucy & Ross Duncan
Kelowna, BC
I have lovely memoriew of Lesa from our high school days. I was a year behind her. She was full of light and moved with angel like grace. Strikingly, long blond hair which should would swirl with gay abandon. Like so many of her mates I was mesmorised in her presence often having difficuty articulating my thoughts. I am pleased to see that she finally connected with Brian. I was invited to one of her famous parties which I vividly recall and in particular her excellent piano playing. She apparently had parties at her cottage but sadly, I never made the list. She truly filled the room with an infectious energy. Memories branded on my brain-gaity, smileylness(my word), springing/dancing energy and always light ever so bright. I miss her. There is less light today.