Obituary of KRYSTYNA GAJDA

KRYSTYNA GAJDA
10 August 1948 – 7 September 2022.

We announce the sudden passing of Krystyna Gajda in the evening of Wednesday, 7 September 2022. Mourning her loss are husband Bogumil, children Barbara (Lindsay) and Marek, grandchildren Maksymilian and Alina, brothers Tadeusz (Jill) and Stefan (Janice) and relatives in Poland, Sweden and Australia. She was predeceased by her parents Winicjusz and Alina Nawrocki, and aunts and uncles internationally.

Krystyna arrived in Canada a babe in her mother’s arms and the family settled in Winnipeg’s North End. Krystyna worked in medical research at the University of Manitoba and then transitioned to an extensive career as a science lab assistant in many Winnipeg public schools. However, she discovered her real passion was in community service as a young person in the 1970s.  Her first role was that of stage manager with the Polish young adults theatre group. Never wanting to be centre stage herself, she was always ready to be encouraging and supportive behind the scenes. Valuing her Polish heritage, she was an active member of organizations that promoted and encouraged the Polish language and culture: the Polish Fraternal Aid Society of St. John Cantius, the Polish Canadian Women’s Federation – MB Branch, Ogniwo Polish Museum Society, Holy Ghost Polish Language school and summer camps, and fundraising efforts for the Polish Studies programme at the University of Manitoba. Many members of the Winnipeg Polish community will remember her as the sustaining force behind the Polish weekly newspaper CZAS for a number of years motivated by a desire to help elderly members of the community stay connected.

Apart from her commitments in community, Krystyna was an exceptional mother, grandmother, and life partner at home. She developed a wonderful relationship with her children and grandchildren and imbued many life lessons in them, modelling generosity and selflessness on countless occasions. She was a great cook and baker and a passionate gardener. She prided herself on successful discovery of recipes or cultivars, and the subsequent satisfactory results in the kitchen or garden.

The family expresses gratitude for the dedicated service over the years of her health care providers at Manitoba CancerCare-St. Boniface, notably Dr. Grenier and team, Dr. Wong and team and her family physician, Dr. E. Tunovic.

Mass of Christian burial will be offered at Holy Redeemer Parish, 264 Donwood Dr, Friday, 23 September at 10:00 am, presided by Fr. Anthony Austin. The service will conclude at the church.

Flowers are gratefully declined; donations in Krystyna’s memory may be made to Ogniwo Polish Museum Society, Manitoba CancerCare, or a charity of your choice.

WIECZNY ODPOCZYNEK

RACZ JEJ DAC PANIE!