Obituary of ALEXANDRA JABLONSKI (nee Parij)

ALEXANDRA JABLONSKI (nee Parij)

February 27, 1929 – May 5, 2025

With broken hearts but deep gratitude, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Alexandra, who left this world in the comfort of her home; the place she held most dear, on Monday May 5, 2025.

Born in Tarnopol, Poland, Alexandra was just ten years of age when she was separated from her parents following the Soviet invasion of Eastern Poland. Recognized as a victim of Soviet repression, she endured years of displacement and uncertainty but found refuge in a refugee camp in Lusaka, where she completed her high school education.

After spending time in England at the end of WWII, Alexandra immigrated to Canada on Remembrance Day in 1950, a date she celebrated every year with reverence and joy. Canada was her sanctuary and the country she came to love with all her heart.

In Canada, Alexandra married Janusz and became the devoted mother of five children. After their separation, she raised her youngest child on her own with the help of her older children with steadfast love and faith.  Her life was not easy, but she never wavered in her love for her children or her trust in God.

Alexandra devoted herself to God, her children and her community.  She was a long-time parishioner at St. Gerard Parish in Winnipeg, serving for a time with the Catholic Women’s League and as the parish sacristan. She also gave of her time and spirit by visiting elderly Polish speaking members of the community, providing them with comfort, companionship and connection to their shared heritage and faith.

Alexandra’s deepest wish, to remain in her home until her final hour, was made possible through the extraordinary love and care of Joybell Respicio, her caregiver of nearly 18 years. Joybell, hired overseas, became far more than a caregiver; she became a daughter to our mother and a treasured member of our family. Through this bond, Joybell was able to bring her own daughters to Canada, fulfilling a dream for her family just as Alexandra once fulfilled her own. In her later years, Alexandra was also lovingly cared for by Maria Kusiak whose gentle presence, Polish language and traditional dishes brought our mother deep comfort.

The family extends its heartfelt thanks to Dr. Darczewski for her attentive care, and to the WRHA for the support provided through the Family Managed Care program. We also wish to thank the Holy Family Day Program, which brought Alexandra joy and companionship each week for many years.

Alexandra endured unimaginable loss and hardship throughout her life, but she offered every struggle to God, in whom she had an unshakable faith. Her devotion, her prayers and her wisdom were constants in our lives. We are comforted knowing she is now in the Lord’s loving arms, finally at peace, finally home. We look forward to the day we are reunited with her in paradise.

Alexandra was predeceased by her husband Janusz; her daughter Margaret; her sister Anna and brothers Konstanty, Stanisław, Czesław and Władysław.  She will be lovingly remembered by her children Andrew (Susan dec.), Joanna (Kelly Brown dec.), Sonia, Mary (Michael Goska); her grandchildren Harmony Grapko, Michael Brown, Steven Brown, Krizsia (Jeff Bunce), Daniel Grapko, Lisa (Adam Dolyniuk), Karina (Jordan Unrau) and Matthew Goska; great grandchildren Ethan Brown, Declan Brown, Aria Brown, Jackub Bunce, Zalina Bunce, Ellowyn Dolyniuk, Jude Dolyniuk and Lily Unrau, and Joybell and Maria.

Funeral Mass will be Monday May 12, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at St. Gerard Parish, 45 Foster Street, Winnipeg.

We love you, Mama and Baba. You were our strength, our heart and our guide. Your memory is our eternal blessing.