JANINA “JEAN” SZYSZKA

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of our beloved Ciocia, Jean Szyszka, at the Grace General Hospital on the afternoon of Monday December 9th at the beautiful age of 96 years.

Jean is survived by her loving family: Sister-in-Law Krystyna Garlicki. Nieces & Nephews: Jerzy Garlicki, Vicky & Marion Radulesku, Jean & Richard Matteson, Lucy & Gregory Chartier, Elizabeth Garlicki (Richard), Charlotte Garlicki (Brent), Ursula (Fred) Thiessen-Garlicki, and Zbigniew Dziech (Sophie); and many great grand nephews and nieces including Jeffery, Eric & Gabe. She was predeceased by her parents Edward & Maria Garlicki, son Andrew Wach, brothers Edward, Anthony & Stanislaw Garlicki, Sisters Jadwiga Baranski, Helen Dziech & Stasia Chwastowska.

Jean was one of seven children having been raised during challenging times of the second World War in Poland and losing her father in a Nazi concentration camp just 3 days before liberation. She came to Canada in 1963 with her husband Stanley and son Andrew with the help of her 2 brothers Anothony & Edward. Life was not easy but for a few from the “Silent Generation” and Jean being of that era was anything but Silent. She a woman who spoke her mind, picked up a shovel if she had to and made her own way with whatever tools she had. She was an attractive woman who never led on her good looks but used her hands to renovate, clean, and build a future for herself and her son. She was shrewd, had a good head on her shoulders and would not be taken for a fool by anyone. She too had a Heart of Gold in that she would give you her last dollar, if you needed it.

Her relationship with her brother Edward was a great one in that they shared the love of “Wheel of Fortune”. Many a time they would be dropped at the Bay bus stop on Portage to make their way to Club Regent to play with the friends, have lunch and hope they won a “Jack Pot”. Through their 70’s they renovated, through the 80’s spending their fortune at their favourite past time at the Club.

Having lived at the Polish Manor the last 6 years many friends were kind and generous in helping Jean. Ewa, Mary, Elizabeth, Wanda & Czesia. Our family greatly thanks them for filling up her life with their true caring & kindness.

Jean’s son Andrew has been gone for many years but he was a daily thought on her mind. Speaking of him brought tears but also joy that she would be with him someday soon…. To which she is now.

Ciocia, here is to you, for you & because of you:

“I thought of you today, 

but that was nothing new.

I thought about you yesterday 

and the days before that too.

I think of you in silence, 

I often speak your name.

All I have is memories 

and your picture in a frame.

Your memory is a keepsake 

from which I will never part.

God has you in his arms, 

I have you in my heart.”

A Mass will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, December 19, at Holy Ghost Parish located at 342 Pritchard Ave, followed by interment at 11:30am at St. Marys Roman Catholic Cemetery, located at 520 Osborne St. 

Jean’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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