Obituary of GENOWEFA GAGRO

GENOWEFA GAGRO

November 22, 1945 – March 22, 2022

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts the family announces the passing of Genowefa Gagro, our beautiful wife, mother, Babcia/Baca, Ciocia and a dear friend to many, on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg.  

Genowefa will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 50 years, George; her daughter Tanya (Bill) (grandchildren Olivia and Emily) and son Tom (Ann) (grandchildren Takeo and Jake); her dear sisters, Maria (Zbigniew), Elżbieta (Marek) and Bogumiła; along with many nieces and nephews and their families whom she loved in Poland, England, Ireland and Hercegovina. 

She was predeceased by her brothers, Michał and Edward; parents Józef and Stanisława Konopka; and sister Kazimiera Grenda of Poland. 

Genowefa was born on November 22, 1945, in Lubaczów, Poland.   In 1967, at the young age of 22, our brave mom and Babcia immigrated to Canada where she spent her life here in Winnipeg. 

On April 22, 1972, she married George, her partner and love of her life.   They first met at Club 13, and spent many nights there where they danced the night away enjoying the polkas and endless laughter and good times with their dear friends.  

Mom loved Dad so much, always preparing his favorite meals, even when she wasn’t feeling well herself-but she always put the needs of others first.    They were very fortunate to spend time in Hawaii, having traveled there six times right until 2018.  Mom loved these trips, enjoying the warmth, ocean breeze, and Hawaiian sunsets with Dad by her side.  

They worked so hard to provide for our family and made sure we also experienced fun times while at home and traveling abroad.   Mom would always plan our next adventure whether it was to Poland or Friday night dinners at a restaurant of our choice (usually Mother’s Pizza).     Mom and Dad loved to travel with us and our road trips, whether to Clear Lake, Winnipeg or Grand beach (every summer weekend), Banff—or Grand Forks (Mom loved to shop!) have given us memories that will last a lifetime.  

Yes, Mom loved us kids, and we certainly kept her busy with our after-school activities-which she loved.  She always made sure we had what we needed and more.  We thank you so much Mom. 

Mom was a hard-working, reliable, energetic and friendly person, who truly enjoyed life and appreciated those around her.   She worked for many years at Canada West Shoe and retired when she was 59 years old.    The highlight of her retirement years was witnessing her children marry and create their own families, and she cherished every minute spent with her precious grandchildren.  

Indeed, Mom’s grandchildren were her absolute joy.   She loved spending time with Takeo, Olivia, Jake and Emily.   They were her life and she always made sure they were cared for and showered them with endless hugs and kisses.   Each one had their special moments with Babcia, or Baca, and she would have a special name for each-a connection so precious, which they will hold in their hearts forever. 

Mom loved her friends, and many were lifelong, whether here or abroad.   She valued and loved her time with each one and always looked after them.   She loved chatting on the phone with her friends each day, and if you visited the Gagro home, she made you feel welcomed and loved.   She also loved to travel and go out with her friends for lunch/shopping or weekly dinner dates at Boston Pizza, and she had so many wonderful memories from that first trip to Hawaii.   Always there to listen and offer support, Mom cherished her dear friends and always expressed how lucky she was to have them in her life.  It was clear that she felt the support and love in return from each one.  

Genowefa or Gienia or Genie to many (Mom and Babcia or Baca), we will miss you so much.    You are no longer suffering and we know you are at peace.  You are our angel and we know you will watch over us.    Our hearts ache for you.    Each of us feel we had so much more to say to you and want to hold your hand or hear you voice again.   We know our Heavenly Father is now welcoming you into Heaven.    

The family would like to express their gratitude to the care Mom received while at Grace hospital, both in Emergency and on 3 North.   A special thank you to Dr. Ben Arenson and Kirsten (who spent the last days with her), along with the staff whom she called her angels.  

In keeping with Genowefa’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a Mass celebrating her life will be held at noon on Monday, March 28, 2022 at Holy Ghost Parish, 341 Selkirk Avenue with Father Tomasz Koscinski OMI officiating.   Interment will follow at Holy Ghost Cemetery, 4387 Main Street. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Ghost Parish or Grace Hospital Foundation of Winnipeg or a charity of your choice.

Goodbye my family my life has passed
I loved you all until the very last
Weep not for me, but courage take
Love one another for my sake
For those you loved don’t go away
They walk along side you every day
- Author unknown