Lydia was born in Canora, SK to Joseph and Lorene (Storgeoff) Fofonoff. She grew up on a farm near Kamsack, SK. and had one brother Donald (Pamela) Fofonoff. She enjoyed growing up on the farm with many cousins living nearby. She attended elementary school at Aisne and Riversdale country schools and then Kamsack Collegiate Institute for grades 9-12 graduating in 1963. During her teen years, she sang in the Glee Club and attended a Russian choir/dance camp. She attended Teacher’s College in Regina from 1963-1964.
Her teaching career in the Hudson Bay School Division began in the grade 2/3 classroom at Carragana School in the fall of 1964. She planned to stay for one year. It was during this year in Carragana that she met and fell in love with Edward Poniatowski who was working as the R.M. administrator. She decided to stay another year. In 1965, she transferred to the Porcupine Plain Elementary School where she continued teaching until her retirement in 2005. She finished her career with a job she loved in the school library.
Lydia and Ed were married on July 30, 1966. They had two children, Krista Loreen who was born in 1972 and Brian Edward in 1978. As their children were growing up, she became very involved in their activities including committee work with the figure skating club, teaching playschool and even spending time as a Boy Scout leader. Many road trips saw her singing with the kids in the car, camping, reading stories, traveling and exploring. As the family grew and grandchildren arrived, Lydia and Ed would frequently be seen at music and dance recitals and hockey tournaments. They enjoyed helping with home projects for Krista and Brian where Lydia would take over their kitchens making sure everyone was fed and that there was plenty of delicious food.
Lydia loved volunteering her time and energy to make the community where she lived a better place. Her contributions touched many organizations including the: Porcupine Plain Healthcare Auxiliary (40 years), Swimming Pool committee (20 years), local health trust fund committee (20 years), town council (2 terms) and community Christmas party fundraiser (prize committee). Lydia enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Vacations took them across Canada, Alaska, the Caribbean, New York and Hawaii. Lydia and Ed enjoyed attending music festivals and concerts and hosted Home Routes house concerts at their cabin. She enjoyed visiting with family and friends, card playing, gardening and crafting. She cooked many traditional and healthy foods and lately, kept her hands busy crocheting close to 200 toques many of which were donated or sold so the money could be donated. Her happy place was their cabin at Greenwater Lake with birds, wildlife, flowers and a beautiful view of the lake.
She began the fight of her life last year. Her positive attitude and strength shone through to her last breath as she faced each challenge head-on even when it was clear that the prognosis was poor and her health was rapidly failing. She was determined to take on a final project that was of great importance to her. Copies of the Fofonoff family tree going back 8 generations were printed and mailed out at the beginning of June. This piece of history, and her legacy, will be a treasure for generations to come.
Lydia is survived by her husband Ed of almost 52 years, daughter Krista (Mark) Tourigny and son Brian (Shannon), granddaughters Katelyn and Breanna Tourigny, brother Donald (Pamela) Fofonoff, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Lydia was predeceased by her parents, sisters in law, Sophie, Irene, Helen and brother in law, Chester.