Lena Lenkova

On May 4th, 2026 Lena Lenkova, 78, passed away surrounded by her loving daughter Milena, son Nako, granddaughter Adelina and her husband Anton, grandson Tony, son-in-law Nick, and great-grandchildren Aiden and August.

For over 9 months, Lena courageously battled stage 4 terminal stomach cancer undergoing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and every available treatment. Despite the physical toll, her spirit remained bright and unshaken. She continued to sing, play the piano and rejoice God’s glory through music.

Throughout her life, Lena’s child-like spirit has been magnetic and anyone that interacted with her even for a moment could feel her unconditional love. Kids were especially drawn to her. Recognizing this, she chose to devote her life to teaching, rather than pursuing personal glory. At a young age, she was offered countless opportunities to work with agents and develop her own career as a famous singer, but she gracefully turned them down. For over 40 years, she inspired generations of children through music, dance, and joy.

Recognizing that her impact could extend even further, Lena began writing books to guide teachers around the world. Many of her children’s songs were born in her dreams—pure, simple, and filled with beautiful melodies. She ultimately authored 3 volumes with hundreds of songs, dances, and musical games that continue to fill classrooms, stages, and communities to this day.

Beyond her extraordinary gift for music, in November 2025, Lena discovered a new way to express her soul – through painting. In the six months that followed, even as her body grew weaker, her spirit seemed to shine even brighter. With each brushstroke, she poured her heart, her light, and the quiet beauty of her soul into the flowers she painted, as if leaving behind little pieces of heaven on every canvas.

She lovingly gifted her artwork, often writing personal messages on the back of each piece. Even in her final days, between moments of extreme fatigue and illness, she would find the strength to paint. “Come on, there’s no time to waste,” she would say, returning to her canvas with determination.

Her strength and willpower were not unique to her final days. Lena’s life was one of devotion to serving others. In Bulgaria, she earned her bachelor’s degree and went on to complete a master’s degree in music education while raising two children and working full time.

In 1998, when her daughter’s family moved to the United States, Lena followed soon after to help care for her grandchildren while they adjusted to a new life. During summers, away from her teaching responsibilities in Bulgaria, she lovingly cared not only for her own grandchildren, but also for many children in the Bulgarian immigrant community. She taught them Bulgarian language, traditions, music, and culture, often organizing performances that brought so much joy to families and the wider community.

After retiring in May 2006, Lena continued to devote herself to her family, playing a central role in raising her grandchildren and remaining a source of guidance, love, and mentorship to many in the Bulgarian community here and in Bulgaria.

Even during the most difficult months of her illness, Lena remained a radiant example of strength, grace, faith, humility, and peace. In addition to her painting, Lena poured her heart into completing a beautifully illustrated children’s book “Svetilniche” - a meaningful collection of fables and stories. Through the pages of her book, she sought to preserve the timeless values that are so easily lost in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, leaving behind a gentle light to guide the hearts of those who would read it.

The impact of her life will continue to ripple far beyond her years on this Earth. One of her parting messages to the world was given to her in a dream in October 2025.

The battle now is hard, It’s a battle for your life. Is it really so difficult, To live in love, not strife? Let the sun shine bright above, Let there only be songs of love. Let people care for one another, Let children joyfully run together. Brothers, sisters, young and old, Christ Himself once clearly told: Love each other, come what may, Just as He showed us the way.

We believe Lena is now filled with grace, love, and joy, shining even brighter in Heaven, reunited with Jesus, her beloved saints, and all those who went before her. While we grieve her loss deeply, we also trust there is a beautiful and glorious celebration welcoming her Home.

As Lena loved flowers so much, floral tributes may be ordered for or brought directly to the service at St. Mary Orthodox Church in Cockeysville, Maryland, on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Lena’s wish was for her book, “Svetilniche” is to be freely shared. To honor that wish, her family has created a GoFundMe to help bring the book to life and place it into the hands of as many people as possible, so its light can reach far and wide. If you would like to support this mission, please consider making a donation at the link below:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/spread-lenas-light-through-svetilniche?lang=en_US

A Mercy Meal and Eulogy will be offered after the Service from 4:30pm-5:30pm