October 4, 1929 - December 6, 2022

It is with heavy hearts that the children of Czeslawa Kowalczyk (nee Pietrzak), announce her passing peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family at home on December 6th , 2022 in her 94th year.

Born on October 4, 1929, outside of Łodz, Poland to Jan and Leokadia Pietrzak, Czeslawa endured many hardships and persevered in the end.

During World War II, at a young age, she and her family were sent to Germany for forced labour. They all survived that ordeal and were later released back home.

Predeceased by her brother Lesak and sister Sabina of Poland.

Survived by her sister Marila (Marilyn) of Poland. Predeceased by her husband Jan (John) (1985).

Adored and much-loved mother of daughters Mary and Elizabeth (Michael) and son John, all of Oshawa. Many thanks to cousin Annie and her family, for their love and support during this time.

Czeslawa will be dearly missed by many extended family members and friends, here in Canada and Poland.

Czeslawa will be remembered by her great work ethic and kindness to people. A woman with many talents and interests. Her love for fashion, her famous cabbage rolls, her love for gardening, sewing, knitting, crocheting, music and dancing. We will miss her stories of old and new.

As a devout Catholic, Czeslawa was a proud member of St. Hedwig’s Church for many years.

Czeslawa had the eternal strength of a true warrior and was forever known as a kind and gentle woman, who always put family first.

Special thanks to cardiologist Dr. Edward Long and Dr. Ibrahim Abdul-Rahman for taking care of Mom.

Many thanks to the Community Care Durham Team, Nurse Daphne, the PSW’s, and physiotherapist Nancy for their great care of Mom.

Also, many thanks to Emergency Services; fire, police and paramedics who attended.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 16, 2022 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Prayers and rosary will be from 4 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the ARMSTRONG FUNERAL HOME (124 King St. E., Oshawa).

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 11 a.m. at St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be shared at armstrongfh.ca .