Daiga Zelek

Zelek, Daiga (nee Steinhards) December 21 1951 - July 26 2022 It is with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Daiga Zelek, surrounded by her husband and children, after an 18 month battle with colon cancer. Married to her high school sweetheart for 47 years, Daiga and Wally had 3 children that she was immensely proud of. Together the family - Kristina (Adam), Alanna (Ian), and Mike (Jess) - grew up in a love-filled house with many laughs, memorable family dinners, and trips to Florida. Daiga made Christmas extra magical with her festive yet elegant decorations, and made every effort to make everything perfect and joyful for her family. Daiga was an affectionate Grammy to Malcolm, Oliver, Maeve, Callan, and will always watch over her granddaughter-to-be (due in January). Always a huge part of their lives, she was at school concerts, sports games, and hosting the best sleepovers. Daughter to the late Edmunds and Skaidrite Steinhards, adored sister of Girts Steinhards and Sandi Channing, and niece of Laimonis (pre-deceased) and Renata Garklavs. Loving aunt and great aunt to many nieces and nephews. Daiga's life was filled with incredible friendships, starting with meeting her lifelong best friend Linda Venditti in grade 9, decades of dinner parties with 'the dental group', and the absolute best ladies at the Club at North Halton. Daiga loved sports and was an avid skier, life-long Toronto Maple Leaf fan, and passionate golfer. Her other sport was shopping, and her friends and daughters will dearly miss those shopping trips together. Daiga and Wally spent their winters travelling, ensuring they could golf wherever they went. She spent her summers gardening in her immaculate backyard, hosting family and friends poolside, and gazing at the 9th hole from the best seat on the balcony with a glass of red. Daiga graduated from University of Toronto and taught elementary school for a short time, before becoming a dedicated full time mom. She started each day with her coffee and Toronto Star crossword, and lived each day to the fullest. She said she's lived a "wonderful, fulfilled life." She had the most remarkably positive attitude throughout her cancer journey, always saying she was "a warrior, not a worrier". Her strength is inspirational. Her last few weeks were spent surrounded by her incredible network of friends and family, and she felt how loved she was. Special thanks to Jericho and Jennifer from Acclaim Health for their exceptional care. Daiga's final message was "I love you all so much" and we hope these words bring peace to all who knew her. We invite you to join us in celebrating her fabulous life at her favourite place. Please join us on August 2nd for a Visitation from 1:00 - 3:00 at the Club at North Halton, followed by a Celebration of Life at 3:00. In lieu of flower, donations can be made to Cancer Assistance of Halton Hills.