Krystyna Antonina Harling nee Starak, passed away suddenly after a brief illness on Thursday, January 8th, 2026. She was predeceased by her parents Janina (Przybylska) and Antoni Starak and her sister Halina Zloty. Krys is survived by her husband Fred, children Danielle, Vanessa (Jim), Matthew and Alex as well as her grandchildren Simon and Elizabeth. She also leaves behind extended family and friends.

Krystyna was born January 17th, 1947, in Hoenfels, Germany. Her family immigrated to Canada in 1955 and settled in Winnipeg. Krys attended Holy Ghost School where she met her lifelong friends Wanda, Krystina, Irene, Helen, Mary and Christine. She went on to attend St. John’s High School.

Krys worked as a receptionist in a variety of settings including Cancer Care and Winnipeg Piano, where she met her future husband, Fred Harling. Krys and Fred were married October 9, 1971. Krys and Fred welcomed their first child, Danielle in 1977, followed by Vanessa in 1983 and Matthew and Alex in 1985.

Krys dedicated her life to raising her family, caring for both her children and parents. When her children were grown, Krys rejoined the workforce, working in a variety of positions at the Regent Avenue Walmart, most notably the pharmacy. Krys retired to help care for her aging parents.

Shortly after the passing of her mother in 2012, Krys became a grandmother to Simon and delighted in spending her days playing with her grandson. Her heart and family were made full in 2015 with the addition of her granddaughter, Elizabeth.  Krys enjoyed nothing more than to play a game of hide and seek or have a tea party with her grandchildren. Krys relished in spending time with them, supporting them at every soccer game, dance recital, holiday and band concerts. When she wasn’t with her grandchildren, she would spend hours looking at photos and videos of them.

Krys also enjoyed spending time with friends, going for coffee with Krystina and Wanda, having breakfasts with Cathy and Charlie and her weekly lunch dates with Fred.

Krys loved the Beatles, Janis Joplin and Leonard Cohen. She also enjoyed a good British mystery and of course, the Shopping Channel.

Krys was the proudest mother, mother-in-law and grandmother, who relished the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren.

Krystyna left us too early and will be greatly missed by all those who love her.