Belec, Taina Hellen

June 7, 1966 - September 15, 2026

After a courageous battle with cancer, Taina Hellen Belec (Née Tenhunen) passed away surrounded by her loving family at the age of 60.

Taina was predeceased by her parents, Alli ja Vaino Tenhunen, her brother Tapio Tenhunen, and her mother-in-law Donna Belec.

She leaves behind her devoted husband of 36 years, David, with whom she enjoyed a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Together they raised two children, daughter Kaija and son Kari (Meg) both of Toronto.

Taina is also survived by her father-in-law Lawrence Belec, her sisters Sirpa Ducharme (Ray predeceased), Iiris Desjardins (John), and Rita Tenhunen (Peter Larsen), her brothers-in-law Mark Belec (Peggy Massaro) and Michael Belec (Rachelle), many beloved nieces and nephews, and special cousins Pasi and Eva Tenhunen of Sweden.

Born in Sudbury, On., to Finnish immigrant parents, Taina was raised in Dowling, On. alongside her four siblings. She attended Levack District High School where she met her lifelong partner, David. Wed in Jamaica, they began their married life together in Toronto, returning to Sudbury to start their family. Life brought the family east to Moncton, New Brunswick where they lived for 12 years, later moving back to Sudbury in 2015.

A graduate of the Michener Institute, Taina touched countless lives throughout her career as a Respiratory Therapist and later an Anesthesia Assistant. Taina pioneered the Anesthesia Assistant programs at both the Moncton Hospital and Health Sciences North. Patients and colleagues remember her for her exceptional warmth and care, sharing many stories of her going above and beyond.

Taina was a quintessential hockey mom. Across many early mornings and tournaments away, Taina was wholeheartedly dedicated and supportive, watching avidly from the stands or online. Sporty herself, she enjoyed golfing ladies’ nights around the city and her after-work tee times with her son, Kari. She also played for the Mother Puckers Hockey Club in Moncton.

Taina loved spending time at the family camp on Onaping Lake since childhood. She enjoyed quiet mornings with her coffee, reading on the dock, having a nice hot sauna with a cold dip in the lake, and even once catching the Northern Lights. This was Taina’s happy place and where family will always feel her presence.

She loved to travel. She enjoyed many trips in her life, visiting Finland with her parents and siblings, girls’ trips with her friends and family, and many vacations with her daughter, Kaija. Most recently, Taina traveled to Mexico with her husband and children for a wonderful Christmas vacation.

Taina’s dog scratches and cat pats were highly sought after. She loved long walks with her dog Olive, often climbing the Lively ski hill in the summer, capturing many pictures at the summit. An avid lover of nature, Taina enjoyed bird watching and the flowers in David’s beautiful garden. Taina’s appreciation for the arts was demonstrated by her support for YES theatre and attending many live concerts throughout her life.

Taina’s generosity, compassion, and empathy have left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Soberanis, Dr. Singh, and the Palliative Care Unit at Health Sciences North for their exceptional support and care throughout Taina’s illness.

A celebration of Taina’s life will be held on Friday, October 2nd, 2026 at Natura Events Space, 1351 Kelly Lake Road, Sudbury, from 1pm to 5pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her memory to Advance Cancer Care in the North https://hsnfoundation.com/donation-form/northern-cancer-fund/.