"For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." – Philippians 1:21

Larysa (Laura) Ivanovna Lemont has completed her earthly pilgrimage and was welcomed into the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 5, 2025. Her passing was marked by the hymns and prayers of her loving family, a testament to the faith that shaped her extraordinary life. While her absence is deeply felt, her family rejoices in the promise of eternal life through Christ and looks forward to the day they will be reunited in glory.

Larysa’s life was a testament to God's grace, mercy, and providence. Born in Belarus in 1932 during a time of great hardship, she endured famine, war, displacement, and persecution. Yet, through every trial, God's hand guided her steps. As a child in Soviet-controlled Belarus, she never heard the name of Jesus—until God, in His infinite mercy, revealed Himself to her through the quiet faith of a few believers in her village. Under Nazi occupation, she witnessed the power of the gospel as prayer meetings sprang up in secret, offering light in a time of darkness. In the hardships of a German labor camp, the Lord sustained her with miraculous provisions and, in time, delivered her into freedom.

At the age of thirteen, Larysa surrendered her heart to Christ in a small house meeting, forever changing the course of her life. From that moment on, she lived with unwavering devotion, proclaiming the goodness of her Redeemer. Whether through her words, deeds, or the quiet strength of her faith, Larysa reflected the love of Christ.

She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. Preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Presada; her husband, Lloyd; and her sons, William and James, Larysa now rests in the arms of the Savior she loved so dearly. She is survived by her sons Timothy (Brampton, ON) and George (Barbara) (Owen Sound, ON), her sisters Leonia Kuvshinikov (Joseph) (Erie, PA) and Lydia Koleba (David) (Courtenay, BC), as well as her cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, and nieces.

Larysa’s life was marked by a steadfast commitment to the Word of God, the power of prayer, and the joy of worship. Even in her final years, her heart overflowed with gratitude for the Lord’s faithfulness. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she has joined the heavenly choir, singing praises to the King of Kings for all eternity.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Larysa’s memory may make a donation to First Baptist Church Brampton, where she found a community of faith and fellowship. Donations may be made at First Baptist Church Brampton.
Kindly copy and paste the following donation link to your browser:
https://firstbaptistbrampton.org/donation/

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” – 2 Corinthians 5:8