Obituary of SOPHIE VICTORIA CZAJKA

SOPHIE VICTORIA CZAJKA (NEE PIATKOWSKI)

1949 - 2023

During the evening of March 14, 2023, Sophie passed away at the age of 74, with her husband and daughters by her side.

Sophie was born in northern Poland in 1949.  Her family immigrated to Winnipeg in 1961. Growing up, Sophie challenged the norms as she was the only woman in her year in drafting while attending Tech Voc High School. Upon graduating, she obtained her teaching certificate and worked as a teacher in Swan River, MB. She also spent a year teaching in Barbados. After realizing that teaching was not her calling, she found her niche as a draftsperson for the federal government and worked for various departments across the country (DND, PFRA, INAC) until her retirement in 2007.

On a visit to Chicago in 1976, she met her husband-to-be Frank – he picked up the bikini bottoms she dropped on the ground while leaving the swimming pool change room at the Polish club where he was working. After a brief, long-distance romance, Sophie returned to Chicago to marry Frank in 1977 and he then joined her in Canada. They just celebrated 45 years of marriage in 2022 and have two beautiful daughters, Cynthia and Nicole.

Since her retirement, Sophie has been a dedicated member of the North Centennial Senior’s Association. She has been a passionate volunteer with the Grandma and Grandpa Swim Program, rediscovered her passion for painting, spent time travelling with her family, enjoyed playing cards with her friends and doted on her grandsons.

She was predeceased by her parents Stanislaw and Antonia Piatkowski. She leaves to mourn her passing her husband Frank, her daughters Cynthia (James) and Nicole (Kathy), her brother Ben (Connie), nephew Peter (Dille), her grandsons Connor, Matty, Logan and Arthur, step-nephews Harley and Garrett, step- niece Tami, her family in Poland and many beloved friends.

Babcia, you will always be in our hearts.

Her celebration of life will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday March 31, 2023 at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Reception to follow. To honor Sophie’s love of colour, please wear bright colours.

In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations can be made to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.