Mrs. Genevieve Ann Sternal Mazurkiewicz

Mrs. Genevieve Ann Mazurkiewicz was a modest woman, quiet and observant in her ways. She was trustworthy and traditional in her approach to her life and in her relationships. Realistic about life, she was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

      Genny was born on September 13, 1928 at home in Crowland (now called Welland), Ontario. She was the daughter of Joseph and Victoria Sternal. She had a younger brother, Edwin, who died from diphtheria when he was only two years old. Genny grew up in Welland, Ontario and Poland.

      A typical teenager, Genny had a happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She graduated from "The Tech" in Hamilton, Ontario in 1945. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was typing.

      Always considered a good friend to those she knew, Genny enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. While growing up, some of her best friends were Stella Bienkowski, Rennie Kargol, Kay Park, Cassie Pyrc, and Jennie Wantola. Later in life, she became friends with Benny Kondrat, Jake and Helen Paul, Ed and Helen Gzik, Irene and Marian Fijalkowski, Stan and Janine Weir, Mieka and Kaz Czarnecki, Frank and Jennie Strycharz, Kaz and Evelyn Morski, Stan and Irene Spanik, Joe Swirski, Stella Latwis, Mary and Tony Kordus, and Renata Lucas.

      On May 23, 1949 Genny exchanged wedding vows with Erwin (Erv) Kazimir Mazurkiewicz at St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church of Hamilton, Ontario. Empathic and loyal, Genny was committed to starting a family together.

      Genny worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. She was blessed with four children, two sons, Irv and Eugene, and two daughters, Karen and Jeanette. Another blessing for Genny was the gift of eight grandchildren; Sandy, Erika, Alex, Michael, James, David, Melissa, and Patricia; and three great-grandchildren, Sydney, Ben, and Luna.

     For most of her life, Genny's primary occupation was as a wife and mother. However, before she was married, she was employed for several years at Westinghouse as a typist. When they were first married, Erv and Genny owned and operated a variety store, Erv's Confectionery, on Barton Street. As well, when her husband, Erv, was laid off from Firestone Tire and Rubber, she worked for a short time at Banners Department Store.

      Genny enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were reading, baking, and dancing.

      When Genny was younger she enjoyed playing in a 5-pin bowling league. Throughout her life she also enjoyed watching football (Hamilton Tiger-Cats) and hockey (in particular Mats Sundin).

       In high school, Genny was a member of the cheerleading squad. Later on, she was an active member of the Polish Youth Group as secretary.

      Genny enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places. Favorite vacations included Mexico, Venezuela, Columbia, Europe, Cawaja Beach (Georgian Bay) , Quebec and the Maritimes.

      Genny passed away on April 22, 2010 at Stoney Creek Lifecare Centre in Stoney Creek, Ontario. She fought a brave battle against dementia for many years. She is survived by her loving husband Erwin; her children Irv, Karen, Eugene, and Jeanette; her grandchildren Sandy, Erika, Alex, Michael, James, David, Melissa, and Patricia; her great-grandchildren Sydney, Ben and Luna. Services were celebrated at St. Stanislaus Church on Saturday April 24, 2010. Genny was laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Aldershot, Ontario.

      Genny was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. She leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Genny and consider themselves blessed to have known her.

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MAZURKIEWICZ, Genevieve Ann It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Genevieve (Genny) on April 22, 2010, in her 82nd year, with her daughters at her side. She was the beloved wife of Erwin for 60 years and the cherished mother of Irv (Charmaine), Karen Sumanis (John), Eugene (Cathy) and Jeanette Pin (Randy). She is also survived by eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Genny was a kind and gentle woman who lived her life with dignity and grace. Her light will shine on in those who knew and loved her. We will miss her always, but she will live in our hearts forever. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff at the Stoney Creek Life Care Centre for their incredible compassion and support over the last three years and especially over the last few days of Genny's life. You are truly angels of mercy and we are eternally grateful. A family funeral mass was celebrated at St. Stanislaus Church on Saturday, April 24 followed by cremation. As expressions of sympathy, donations made in Genny's name to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated by the family. On-line tributes and condolences can be posted at www.mem.com