Obituary of MICHALINA MICHELE RUDZKI

After a brief battle with cancer, we’re sad to announce the passing of our dear daughter, sister, beloved Ciocia, and friend Michalina (Michele) Rudzki on December 30, 2020. Michasia is survived by her mother, Karolina, her sister and brother in law (Janina and Joseph Majowski), niece Kathy (Rene), nephews Frank (Stacey) and Eugene (Sabrina), great nieces and nephew, Liliana, Joshua, and Sophia, along with extended family in Canada, Poland, and Ukraine, and many friends that considered her family. She was predeceased by her father, Stanislaw.

Michasia was born in Borowina, Poland on March 16, 1949. From her early years, she was no stranger to facing challenges. As the oldest daughter, and with many cousins, aunts, and uncles living nearby, Michasia had a variety of people to look to for advice, support, and connection as she grew up, as well as co-conspirators for mischief that was undertaken.  Living on a farm until her family came to Canada in Dec 1965, Michasia understood the value of hard work and determination, and carried the lessons that she learned early on through all that she did. Her working career spanned 37 years, and she made many friends along the way.

Michasia had a deep connection to her parents, and spent the majority of her life living with them. When first her father and then her mother required more care than could be provided at home, Michasia experienced independence with a home that was hers alone. Although this independence came later than for some, Michasia took it in stride, and was able to enjoy many years of living on her own, while maintaining strong social and family connections.

Michasia also had a strong sense of loyalty, and took pride in supporting those that she cared about. Whether it was through impromptu visits, phone calls, or gifts, Michasia had a variety of ways that she showed those she cared about that she was thinking about them. Her participation in social groups and events meant that she was always on the go, places to go, people to see. Most recently, prior to her illness and the pandemic, Michasia was a regular presence at the Maples Care Home, spending time with her mother, making sure that our Babcia always felt supported and loved.   

Michasia had a quiet, unassuming presence, but her absence will leave a large hole in our lives. Our family would like to express our thanks to the team at CancerCare (especially nurse Kerry), as well as the home care program (special thanks to our Case Coordinator, Kendra). With their help, we were able to support Michasia in our home, surrounded by her family and in a safe and familiar environment until the end, a luxury that some families have not been afforded during the pandemic. For this we will be forever grateful.

Viewing will be at Cropo Funeral Chapel (1442 Main St) on January 8, 2021 in the afternoon and evening. To comply with the public health guidelines around gatherings, please call or text 204-793-7071 to book a time (up to 5 people at a time). The funeral will be limited to family only, and  livestream will be available on January 9, 2021, Rosary at 9:30am and the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am. Following the Mass, we will be going directly to Holy Ghost Cemetery for Christian Burial at which time friends may attend while practicing social distancing guidelines. The link to the event can be found on the Parish of Saint Andrew Bobola website (http://standrewbobola.ca). A memorial reception is planned for later in 2021, when public health guidelines allow. In lieu of flowers, we ask that people consider a donation to the CancerCare Foundation in Michasia’s memory. Wieczny odpoczynek racz jej dac Panie.