Obituary of JOSIE JACKIEWICZ

Josie Jackiewicz (nee Szymanski) passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the age of 91.

Josie was born in Winnipeg on December 4, 1932. Her parents, who had both immigrated to Canada from Poland, resided in the north end of the city and raised their daughter in this vibrant, multicultural neighbourhood. Polish was Josie’s first language and, from an early age until her passing, she never once missed the opportunity to proudly proclaim that she was of Polish descent. In 1951, she graduated from St. John’s High School and, a year later, she met Konstanty, the man with whom she would soon marry and would remain married to for 62 years. For the next several years, after tying the knot, Josie was employed as a bookkeeper. In 1969, she and Konstanty welcomed the birth of their daughter, Teresa.

While staying at home with Teresa, Josie thoroughly enjoyed being a full-time mom. She also relished in being in charge of the affairs of the household – affairs ranging from finances to repairs to everything in between. Over the years, Josie had a love for so many things. She loved cooking meals for the whole family, traveling whenever she had a chance to do so (her most common travel companion was her daughter), spending countless summer days at the cottage at Big Whiteshell Lake (picking wild berries and mushrooms in the forest was a favourite of hers), reading mystery novels (Murder, She Wrote in particular), listening to classical music (Frederic Chopin, a Pole, was her favourite composer), attending performances of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet at the Centennial Concert Hall, and, last but not least, being a babcia (grandmother) to her kotek (kitten).

Josie was also a longstanding member of St. Mary’s Parish (Polish National Catholic Church). Over the years, she held various positions on the Parish Committee. She also sang with the Parish Choir.

Josie is survived by her daughter Teresa (Claude) and granddaughter Sarah. She was predeceased by her husband Konstanty, her mother Cecile, her father Antoni, and her infant children Barbara and Constance.