JADWIGA TERESA MICHNIEWICZ

“She made the world brighter 

simply by being in it.”

With heavy hearts, we announce that our beloved Jadwiga Teresa Michniewicz (née Gwizdon) passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026, at Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, at the age of 79, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Jadwiga was predeceased by her beloved and only son, Mariusz Michniewicz, and her brother, Tadeusz Gwizdon. She is lovingly remembered by her granddaughter, Pamela Thompson (née Michniewicz), and her husband, Chris Thompson; her cherished great-grandchildren, Thomas and Dove Thompson; as well as extended family and dear friends in both Canada and Poland.

Born in the village of Wojsławice, Poland, and later settling in the town of Giżycko, Jadwiga's early years in post-war Poland shaped her resilience, strength, and appreciation for life's simple blessings. Despite the hardships of the time, she always spoke with love and gratitude for her parents and grandmother, whose kindness and care made her childhood rich in love.

After completing her education, Jadwiga built a successful career as an agricultural engineer before briefly working in politics. In December 1993, she courageously left her homeland to begin a new life in Canada. She learned English, continued working with the same dignity and work ethic that had always defined her, and through perseverance achieved one of her proudest accomplishments—purchasing her own home, where she lived independently for more than twenty years.

Jadwiga believed that every person deserved kindness, dignity, and respect. She lived simply, not because she expected little from life, but because she found her greatest happiness in helping others. She quietly made sacrifices for the people she loved and found genuine joy in seeing them succeed.

Her yard was her sanctuary, where she spent countless hours tending her flowers and feeding the birds that often waited for her each morning. Her beloved cats were constant companions and brought her endless comfort and happiness.

Jadwiga treasured her independence and remained remarkably strong in both body and spirit. Those who knew Jadwiga will remember her quiet strength, unwavering optimism, generosity, and genuine kindness. She rarely complained, choosing instead to focus on gratitude. Her faith remained a source of strength throughout her life, and she had a remarkable gift for lifting the spirits of those around her. No matter how difficult the day had been, time spent with Jadwiga left others feeling lighter, happier, and reminded of what truly mattered.

Family was the heart of Jadwiga's life. Becoming a grandmother was one of her greatest joys, and she cherished the special bond she shared with her only granddaughter, Pamela, whom she helped raise. In later years, she found immense joy in becoming a great-grandmother to Thomas and Dove Thompson.

She will also be remembered for her wonderful sense of humour. Even in the final stages of her illness, she continued to laugh and joke with family, friends, and the staff caring for her. Her playful sarcasm often kept everyone guessing whether she was serious or joking, but that was simply part of her charm.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, health care aides, volunteers, and the entire palliative care team at Riverview Health Centre for the exceptional care, kindness, and dignity they provided to Jadwiga. Their compassion brought comfort not only to her, but to her entire family.

In keeping with Jadwiga's wishes, there will be no public funeral service. A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

Jadwiga will be cremated, and her remains will be laid to rest alongside those of her beloved son, Mariusz, and her brother, Tadeusz. Details regarding the burial of her urn will be shared with family and friends at a later date.

Though she is gone, the love, kindness, and quiet strength she shared with the world will continue to bloom in the lives she touched.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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