Donor Stories – The Vajko Family
The Breast Assessment Centre at the Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) has been officially named in honour of the Vajko Family.
The Brantford General Hospital (BGH) held great significance for sisters Thelma, Jennie, and Isobel Vajko. All three answered the call of nursing, a vocation that profoundly influenced their lifelong dedication to caring for others. In recognition of this bond, Jennie left a transformative legacy gift to the BCHS Foundation to benefit women’s health and our community.
These women who spent their careers caring for patients within the walls of the BGH are now ensuring that same care continues for future generations.
A Tribute to the Vajko Sisters
John and Esther Vajko emigrated from Hungary to Canada in 1929 with their two young daughters, Thelma and Jennie. After settling as resident employees of Bow Park Farm in Brant County, they welcomed their third daughter, Isobel.
The family’s journey continued through farms near Waterford and Burtch before they established a dairy farm in the early 1940s. This farm on Tutela Heights Drive would remain the Vajko family home for nearly 50 years, anchoring their deep roots in the community.
Thelma Vajko (1925 – 1989)
Thelma, the eldest of the sisters, was the first to pursue a career in healthcare. She graduated in 1947 as a Registered Nurse from the Brantford General Hospital School of Nursing. Thelma dedicated her entire professional career to the BGH, eventually rising to the position of Charge Nurse on a primary medical floor.
Jennie Vajko (1927 – 2023)
After initially working as a stenographer Jennie was inspired to follow in Thelma’s footsteps, first training to become a Registered Nursing Assistant and later transitioning into specialized care as an EKG Technician. Jennie gave a quarter-century of dedication and service to the BGH and is fondly remembered by colleagues.
Isobel Vajko (1929 – 2020)
Isobel followed the path of both her sisters, beginning her career at the BGH as a Registered Nursing Assistant on the surgical floor and later becoming an EKG Technician, working alongside Jennie. Isobel has left a lasting impact on the hospital and its patients over her 28-year career.
The sisters were always very close, sharing life, laughter and time together. All three were known for their independent spirits and great senses of humour. They were incredibly hardworking, giving as much of themselves to the family farm as they did to their nursing careers.
The family shared many wonderful years together on their beloved farm until mother Esther sadly passed away in 1974. The sisters continued to live and help on the farm alongside their father, John until his passing in 1989. In a deeply felt loss for the family, Thelma also passed away suddenly that same year at the age of sixty-four.
In 1997, Jennie and Isobel built a new home on the Tutela Heights property overlooking the City of Brantford. They took immense pride in this home, where they spent many happy years gardening, baking, and hosting family and friends.
The Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation is deeply appreciative of these three sisters, nurses, and incredible benefactors. Jennie, Isobel and Thelma’s commitment to patient care and the community will live on through the BCHS Breast Assessment Centre.