Obituary of Kazimiera MACHNIAK

KAZIMIERA (SZUMSKA) MACHNIAK September 23, 1920 - May 5, 2009 Kazia's loving and generous heart finally stopped beating on Tuesday. Kazia leaves her son, Kaz Machniak and her daughter Janina (Jim) Smithson to mourn her passing. Also her sisters Felicja Jablonski (Toronto), Halina Tarwid (Brandon) and her brother Mietek Szumski (England) will feel the loss of her passing. Numerous nieces and nephews will also be saddened for she brought much sunshine and goodness to them all with her smiles and her hospitality. She was predeceased many years ago by her beloved husband Jan Machniak and more recently by her only granddaughter Michelle Skawinski. Kazia was born in Poland, the eldest daughter in her family. She learned her nurturing skills early in life when her own mother died while she was a child, leaving her with 2 younger sisters, Felka and Halina to comfort and look after. During WWII, the Szumski family was among thousands of Polish citizens who spent time in Siberian work camps. Her family managed the long trek across Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Persia before they found refuge in Africa. In the wartime resettlement camp at Tengeru, Tanganyika Kazia, her sisters and her father spent the next few years. Her sisters and Kazia would often reminisce and share their vivid stories of their time spent against the backdrop of snow topped Kilimanjaro. Kazia and her family continued their journey to England after the war. Here the rest of her family was reunited with her brothers Antoni and Mietek who had both served in the military. While in England, Kazia married her husband Jan who had also served with the military during the war. Their son, Kazimierz was born during their stay in England. Kazia and her family decided that Canada would be their new home and immigrated to Winnipeg. Kazia spent many years enjoying her new home and country. She took great pride in entertaining and looking after her family. Many fond moments will be remembered by both friends and family. Her culinary skills were legendary and no one left her house hungry. Blueberry perogies, wild mushroom delicacies, rhubarb & strawberry crumble are only a few of the many mouth watering treats she was known for. Her passion for great food and good company was only surpassed by the hunt for the perfect mushroom in Manitoba's forests. Occasionally Kazia had to compete for her blueberries with those pesky black bears but that never discouraged her. Her garden was always a source of delight to both her and her dinner guests. She was a woman of strong faith and there were times when she needed all of it in order to continue. She had a smile for everyone who came into her life. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother. Many thanks to Dr. Isaac and the nursing staff at Concordia Hospital who took such good care of her during her last month. Prayers will take place at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street on Friday, May 8, at 9:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 9, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Andrew Bobola Church, 541 Marion Street with Father Sebastian Gacki officiating. If friends so wish, as an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba in lieu of flowers.