Elena Pedersen passed away peacefully at her home in Onalaska, Washington, on Oct. 3, 2023, with her beloved husband and family by her side.
Elena was the third child born to her loving parents, Sarolta and Mikulas Pavlovsky, on March 2, 1962, in Slovakia.
In October 1968, as a small child, she helped the family escape their invaded country by charming the border guards with her perfect Hungarian, warm smile and piercing blue eyes. Once free, the family made their way from Europe to Canada and found their new home in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Elena always loved the outdoors and, with her adventurous spirit and natural athleticism, she went on to become a lifeguard, competitive swimmer, triathlete and an avid downhill skier. After finishing high school, she attended the University of Saskatchewan where her passion for sports led her to become a physiotherapist. Her continuing journey in health care then led her to further studies at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto where she graduated in 1991 as a doctor of chiropractic. She opened her first solo chiropractic practice in Vernon, British Columbia, and after a few years, in 1996, moved to Mossyrock, Washington, where she lived, worked and played to the fullest. She became an integral part of the community as she built and ran the Chiropractic Health Center, became a volunteer EMT and firefighter, and worked as a high school cross country running coach. Her dynamic personality and healing skills drew people from far and wide to her thriving clinic.
She shared her passion and zest for life wherever she went. In 2012, through mutual friends, she met Mike Pedersen, and propelled by their mutual love of motorcycles, bicycles, skiing, hiking and travel, they fell in love and married in 2014. They went on to enjoy multiple trips together through North America and Europe, including visiting her birth country of Slovakia.
Elena is survived by her husband, Michael Pedersen; her parents, Sarolta and Mikulas Pavlovsky; five siblings, Thomas Pavlovsky, Eva Lester, Peter Pavlovsky, Diana Pavlovska and Michael Pavlovsky; one niece; and three nephews.
Arrangements are under the care of Fir Lawn Mortuary. The date of a celebration of life is to be determined.
