Obituary of WANDA SZYDA

                It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Wanda Szyda on October 9^th, 2018. Wanda died peacefully, at the age of 98, surrounded by family at the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg.  Her family would often quote one of her well known sayings, like "life is not just one day" and throughout her days, Wanda has been known by many names. She was born in Poland in 1920 and given the name Wanda Lyskawa. Growing up she never liked her name because it was not on the name day calendar and she didn't get a name day party.  As a teenager she moved to France where she was known as Mademoiselle Wanda. There she learned French while she worked on the farm. After World War II she met and married Stanislaw Szyda. It was in France that she also became Mama to George (Elaine) and Colette (Rod). In 1951 the family immigrated to Canada and moved into their first home on Flora Avenue in Winnipeg. The family of four grew to eight Teddy (Pat), Gienia (Ken), Mark (Diane) and Andrzej (Terri). When their home on Flora Avenue was expropriated by the city, the Szyda's moved to Dorchester Avenue.

                Volunteering in the community is something she was proud to do. Pani Szyda, member of SPK, Polish Combatants Association #13, spent countless hours volunteering in the kitchen preparing pierogi for Folklorama in its early years. She also volunteered her time with the Polish scouts, establishing the camp and working in the kitchen. Years later, in her late 80's, she would again dawn her uniform and go caroling at the old folk's home with her senior's group from Holy Ghost. Since her sons were avid hockey players, she also spent many hours volunteering at the canteen at Crescentwood Community Centre. 

                She became known as Babcia with the birth of her first granddaughter Jacquie (Jason), followed by Jennifer (David), Stephanie (Lukasz), Erika (Matt), Kristopher (Michelle), Matthew (Leanne), Benjamin (Jennifer), Jason, Ryan (Diane), Kirsten (Gio), Alyssa (Mike), Juliana (Josh), Trevor, Sean & Tala. For her grandchildren who attended River Heights Junior High and Kelvin High School, lunch was always ready and their friends were always welcome to come and have nalesniki for lunch at Babcia and Dziadzia's house. Babcia loved shopping. She would take the 68 Crescent bus downtown to do her shopping at Eaton's and the Bay. She often met friends at the Paddlewheel restaurant to share a club sandwich. Babcia was always on the lookout for a good bargain and always returned from her shopping trips with something for someone in the family. Her grandkids loved joining her on her trips downtown and she passed down her love for a good deal and great shoes. Her favourite piece of wisdom "every day you learn something new" was often shared on these trips.

                Wanda liked to travel. She made it back to Europe to visit three times. Her last visit was at the age of 85. She enjoyed trips to Hawaii with Stan and their friends. Once Stan's health prevented the couple from traveling, they bought a cottage in Matlock and enjoyed going for walks and sitting on the piers watching their grandchildren play.

                Wanda was thrilled to become known as PraBabcia to Avery, Riddick, Angela, Madeline, Laken, Konrad, Sarah, Damien & Riel. She looked forward to their visits and giving them rides on her limousine, more commonly known to most as a walker. She was proud of their accomplishments and would say "look at that" with a big smile when she was impressed.

                Whichever name she was known as, she will be remembered as someone who was accepting, caring & kind. She will be deeply missed but her spirit will live on through her recipes and her words her family continues to use.

A celebration of Wanda’s life will be held Saturday October 12^th, 2019. Family and friends are welcome to attend a 9:30am mass at St. Andrew Bobola Church (541 Marion St, Winnipeg, MB R2J 0J9) followed by a 10:30am memorial service with reception at Cropo Funeral Chapel (1442 Main St, Winnipeg, MB R2W 3V7). The family will take a private moment following the memorial service for the interment of Wanda’s ashes before joining friends at the reception.

Flowers may be sent to Cropo Funeral Chapel (1442 Main St) or donations can be made to St. Boniface Hospital in Wanda’s memory.