Obituary of HALINA KLOCZKOWSKI

Halina Kloczkowski

January 3, 1930 - March 15, 2019

I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.            

-Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu (Mother Teresa)

 It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Halina Maria Kloczkowski in her sleep at her home in Winnipeg, on March 15, 2019. She had recently celebrated her 89th birthday. She will be deeply missed and remembered by her daughter Catherine, grandsons, Griffin and Zennen and their father Jason Scott; her older sister Zofia Grabiszewska, in Krakow, Poland; as well as nieces and numerous friends. She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 50 years, Stanley, in 2016, her father and mother, Zygmunt and Jozefa Michalik, and her three brothers, Kazimierz, Antoni and Zygmunt.

Halina Maria Kloczkowski was born in Wieliczka, a town known for its magnificent salt mine, located just outside of Krakow. Her father was an engineer for the railway, providing the family with a comfortable life. She learned early the importance of community and giving to those less fortunate; many times people in need would come to the Michalik home, asking for food or a bit of money and they were never sent away empty-handed. 

She was a clever student and began her career as a bookkeeper at Kzek, a gravel company in Krakow, and was later employed for 18 years at the RBC data centre in Winnipeg, retiring in 1993. Her aptitude for numbers made her a shrewd opponent in any card game, and family bouts of Tysiac (1000) were serious endeavours.

She met Stanley through a mutual friend when he was holidaying in Poland. The former soldier with the 300 Polish Bomber Squadron was enchanted with the petite, fiery brunette with a sparkle in her eyes and a zest for adventure. They were married in July 1965, and resided in Winnipeg where Stanley had established a career with Bristol Aerospace.

She and Stanley were active members of Winnipeg's Polish community, including attending social events at SPK Club 13 and Folklorama and encouraging their daughter Catherine to attend Saturday Polish School, join the Iskry dance group and participate in Polish Scouting. The family spent many summers with their faithful camper exploring open roads and campgrounds. A favourite spot was Big Whiteshell Lake, where they often spent two weeks camping and enjoying walks along the lake with their trusty canine companion, Lucky.

Halina navigated life with a passion. She was an excellent cook and baker; she tended prolific vegetable and flower gardens; and could nurse any injured creature back to health. She always made time to mark life's important rituals and had a deep and lasting bond with her homeland, her family and her friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at 9:45 a.m. at Holy Ghost Church, 341 Selkirk Avenue, followed by interment at Holy Ghost Cemetery, 4287 Main Street and a lunch reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, if friends desire, donations can be made in her memory online to the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter or by calling 204.832.7387.