Passed away peacefully at the age of 102 at Pleasant Manor Long Term Care Home, Virgil, Ontario on February 16, 2026. Beloved wife of William Machnik (1997). Loving mother of Helena Mercer (John) of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Cherished grandmother of Andrea (Christopher) and Elizabeth (Philip). Dear great-grandmother of Emmett and Charlie. Zofia will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Zofia was born in Huzele, Poland in 1924. During World War II, she was involuntarily taken from her home to Germany where she endured forced labor on a farm for five years. Zofia met and married her husband, William, in Germany in 1945. They emigrated to Canada (Ottawa, Ontario) and then soon settled in Brantford.
Zofia was a dedicated member of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Brantford and an active member of the Polish Alliance Ladies Circle – Branch #10.
A grateful thank you to all the staff at Wawel Villa Seniors Residence in Mississauga, and recently Pleasant Manor Long Term Care Home in Virgil, Ontario for the care and support they provided to Zofia during her time there.
Family and friends will be received at Thorpe Brothers Funeral Home (96 West Street, Brantford) from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 with Rosary at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church (235 Brant Avenue, Brantford) on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Reception to follow at the Carriage House at Thorpe Brother’s Funeral Home. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to Wawel Villa and would be appreciated by family.
