Obituary of MARY TERESA ZYWOTKIEWICZ

MARY ZYWOTKIEWICZ

(nee Naumczykowna)

December 10, 1927 - March 8, 2021

Our true angel, Mary Teresa (Naumczykowna) Zywotkiewicz arrived in heaven on Monday, March 8, 2021 at the well-lived age of 93 years.  She was pre-deceased by her beloved husband Ignace, with whom she shared 63 blessed years - the best years of her life. She is survived by her sons, Henry (wife, Kris), Richard (partner, Debbie), Bob (her selfless caregiver and confidant for many years), her grandchildren Jenner and Adam, her husband’s brother Kazimierz and his daughter Virginia. She will always be loved and terribly missed by all who will always hold the memory of their Dear Mother, Babczia, and friend close in their hearts.

As a wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother, Mary always gave of herself before giving to herself. She was a strong woman and a true survivor - a trait she has passed on to her sons and her grandchildren. 

She was born in Breslau, Poland in 1927.  As a young child, her life was torn apart by the Nazi occupation in WWII and she was forced into slave labour then incarceration in the Gestapo camp at Brauweiler near Cologne.  Freedom came in March of 1945 and after immigrating to Canada in 1947 she took up residence in Winnipeg and met Ignace Zywotkiewicz, a decorated WWII soldier who endured unspeakable hardships in his own right and fought in decisive battles in North Africa and Italy including Monte Cassino with the 2^nd Polish Corps, British 8^th Army. 

She married her war hero in 1949 and built a beautiful but challenging life around their Polish community and the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Winnipeg.  She and Ignace raised their sons with a fierce pride in their Polish heritage and instilled a drive and work ethic that is evident in their success.  Her sons have always been her greatest joy - they are a living testament to her spirit.

Mary was a vibrant member of her community and always had the heart to help those in her circle that were in need.  A very devout woman and servant of God, she always chose to look at the good in people and never had a bad word to say about anyone.  Until her dying day, she tried to stay active. She enriched all the lives she touched with her gentleness, kindness, and graciousness. Her cooking was beyond parallel, and nobody could command a kitchen like she could. 

She was a woman of great faith who loved life, and those fortunate enough to have known our Dear Mother, were encompassed in her positive energy and loving disposition.   She commanded a lasting impression, and her energy defied her station in life.  Her spirit is truly everlasting.

Many thanks to all the caregivers and medical staff who were instrumental in giving Mom a quality of life until the end.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Ghost Parish, 341 Selkirk Avenue, Winnipeg, MB on Monday March 15, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. The service can be viewed live via the “Broadcast” tab at www.holyghost.ca

Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. 
Amen.