Sophia 'Zena' Lancaster Skaftved

With great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Sophia “Zena” Quilliam Lancaster Skaftved on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at Mountainview Residence, Georgetown, in her 95th year.

Loving mother of Martin (deceased 2011), Simon, Guy (Grace), Jonathan (Lucy), and Catriona. Cherished grandmother to David, Rachel, Alex, Sarah, Abby, Emily, Thomas, Sophie, and Aidan. Zena was predeceased by her beloved husband, Peter Skaftved, and her dear sisters May (Hugh) and Frieda (George). She is fondly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends near and far.

Born on December 11, 1929, in Greenock, Scotland, Zena’s family moved to Peel, Isle of Man, where she spent an idyllic childhood. It was here, inspired by a film at the local cinema, that she decided to adopt the name Zena—a name whose exotic and stylish sound suited her perfectly. As a young lady growing up in a small village, she had an insatiable curiosity and interest in the world. Her father was a merchant marine who sailed across the globe during both world wars. She would anxiously await his return to hear tales from the lands he visited.

Zena met our father, Donald Lancaster, while he was on RAF flight training in the Isle of Man. The RAF took our family to many places, and a child was born in most of them. Zena loved the RAF life and the adventures and friendships that she was able to experience. In 1969, Don's career brought us to Canada with Air Canada.

Settling in Georgetown, Zena worked diligently to build friendships and get her children integrated into Canadian life. She was an active member of the IODE, the North American Manx Association, the Georgetown Choral Society, Scottish Country Dancing, St. George’s Anglican Church Choir, and more. She had a lifelong passion for music. Whether she was singing herself or enjoying her favorite pieces at home, her love of music was a constant source of happiness. She loved to travel and sail with her husband Peter. In keeping with her love of fashion and style, she worked at the Village Shoppe in downtown Georgetown for many years. She built a great circle of friends from all her various activities. Zena always enjoyed friendly discussions and debates about politics and current events.

In her final years in Memory Care, she would keep us entertained with stories of her travels from her imagination. Zena's vibrant personality and zest for life touched all who knew her. She had an innate elegance and an eye for beauty, traits that she expressed not only in her style but also in the warmth and kindness she extended to everyone around her.

Her legacy of love, resiliency, and grace lives on in her children, grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be dearly missed.

Our family would like to express our deep gratitude to Mountainview Residence for the exceptional care and kindness that was extended to Zena.

A celebration of Zena’s life will be held on July 27, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in her memory.

Trafalgar Room Visiting

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Saturday, July 27, 2024

Jones Funeral Home

11582 Trafalgar Road

Georgetown , Ontario, Canada

L7G 4Y5