Obituary of Janina Nowak

JANINA NOWAK (nee BYSZEWSKA) Janina Michalina Maria Nowak passed peacefully surrounded by her husband and family on August 26, 2011 at the age of 81. Janina leaves to mourn, husband Zdzislaw; son Tadeusz; son Francis (Heather); cherished granddaughters Kate and Mila. Also left to cherish her memory in Poland, niece Marysia (Krzysztof) Tomula and family; nephew Jan (Rysia) Widelka and family. She was predeceased by parents Jan and Emilia Byszewski; sister Elzbieta and Franek Widelka. Janina was born October 18, 1929 in her beloved city of Lwow, Poland. She and her immediate family survived the ravages of WWII, which resulted in their forced relocation to Krakow, where they began a new life. Janina completed her Nursing Degree in 1949 specializing in Surgical Nursing. In 1955 she married the love of her life, Zdzislaw and had her first son the following year. Janina and Zdzislaw decided to leave communist Poland in 1959 to make a new and free life in Winnipeg. Through her strength and determination, Janina successfully negotiated her way through the difficulties of a new culture and language. Janina worked at many jobs; helped her husband build his business; raised her family and all the while maintained a very cheerful and loving perspective on life. Janina was very proud of her career in the Manitoba Home Care program where she devoted 15 years of her life helping individuals maintain their dignity and remain in their homes as long as possible. She was a woman of great faith, with a loving heart and filled with joy, notwithstanding the trials and challenges that life sent her way. She was a devout and deeply religious woman who spent countless volunteer hours at Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Church. She was a member of the CWL holding many board positions including President and she was also a member of the Rosary Solidarity. Janina had a special affection for the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity with whom she visited daily. The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the staff of the 5th floor at Poseidon Personal Care Home, most especially to Sofia for her kindness and compassion. Prayers to be held on Tuesday, August 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 31 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Church, 341 Selkirk Avenue, with her son Fr. Tadeusz Nowak, OMI officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Ghost Cemetery. Should friends so desire, a donation in her memory may be made to the Missionaries of Charity, 167 Aikins Street in Winnipeg. WIECZNY ODPOCZYNEK RACZ JEJ DAC, PANIE.