Obituary of LYDIA HÉLÈNE RAKOWSKI

LYDIA HÉLÈNE RAKOWSKI

(NÉE YOUPANENKO)

Peacefully on December 12, 2018 with her daughter and grandson by her side Lydia passed away at Holy Family Personal Care Home at the age of 92. She was not alone in the days preceding her death, family and friends came earlier in the week to wish her well on her next journey.

Lydia was predeceased by husband Kazimierz Rakowski (1986) and son Patrick Rakowski in 2016. She was born in Paris France on August 12th, 1926, married Kazik in 1947 and with two small children (Pat and Fred) immigrated to Canada in 1951. Together Lydia and Kazik started Rakowski Cartage and Wrecking "with one man and a truck" and left behind a legacy for the next generation. In 1967 Lydia returned to school to earn her teacher's certificate and taught French at Monroe Junior High for 20 years.

She touched many lives in her time but will be sadly missed by her family. Lydia is survived by her son Fred (Nicole) daughter Lala (Charlie) and Pat's partner Peggy along with grandchildren Daria, Damian (Gayle), Chris (Heather), Vincent (Heather), Janek (Lindsay), Tristan (Tarryn), Kyle (Rachel) and many nephews and nieces. Lydia lived a long life and had the pleasure of also knowing her ten great grandchildren.

Prayers will be held on Tuesday, December 18 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrew Bobola Parish, 541Marion Street followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. with Father Walery Bykowski officiating. Luncheon in Lydia's honor to follow. In keeping with Lydia's request ash interment will be in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Andrew Bobola Parish to have a Mass offered for the repose of her soul. "Please, do not bring me flowers! I will have no use for them after I'm dead. Pray for me and have Masses offered for me instead!"

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Unit 4A at Holy Family Personal Care Home. Thank you, Lucio, Pam, Josephine, Jovy Oksana, Svitlana, Olesia and especially Luba for your compassionate care.

We will all miss her. Mama rest in peace.