Barbara Olejarz

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barbara. She was surrounded by her loving family in her final days at the Carpenter Hospice. She is now reunited with her beloved husband of 65 years, Czesiu. Loving mother of Andrew (Theresa), Anna (Eddie), Mary-Jane (Randy), George (Stephanie) and Madeline (Alec). Cherished Babcia of Stefanie (Jack), Matthew (Beverley), Alex (Cait), Daniel (Karolina), Andrew (Emma), Anna (Brody), Michelle (Michael), Adele, Lilia, Zofia, Sonia and Gemma. Beloved Prababcia of Cynthia, Violet, Eddie, Freddie, Blaine, Byron, Mila, Sebastian, Evelyn and Nora. Barbara adored every one of her wnuki and celebrated every milestone in their lives with enthusiasm. Predeceased by her parents Józef and Anna Kiełbasa and her brother Eugeniusz Kiełbasa. She is survived by her sister Elżbieta Laskowska (Andrzej) and many nieces and nephews in Canada and Poland.

Barbara was an active member of the Polish Alliance of Canada and a lifetime member of Symfonia Choir (Polish Singers Alliance of America). She held many roles in both organizations, including Vice President. Barbara and Czesław travelled the world to perform and share their love of Polish song and culture. As a result, she earned the distinction of being decorated by the Polish government for her dedication to preserving Polish culture beyond its borders. Górą Pieśń!

She was a dedicated parishioner of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church (since 1962) and a deeply religious woman with affiliations to the CWL and the Rosary Society. She prayed the rosary daily, always including one decade for those who prayed for her, and for those suffering from cancer.

She was an outstanding homemaker, generous host and the life of the party. She worked tirelessly inside and outside of the home to support her family and anyone who needed help, even when times were tough. A friend recently said of her, that she didn’t have an enemy in the world… and if she did, we know that she would have prayed for them. May God bless and keep her.

Visitation at Markey Dermody Funeral Home, 1774 King Street East, Hamilton on Sunday, April 26 from 2-6 p.m. with Rosary at 5 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, 8 Saint Ann Street Hamilton, on Tuesday, April 28 at 11 a.m. Burial to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 600 Spring Gardens Rd, Burlington.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting Barbara’s preferred charities: The Missionary Sisters of St. Peter Claver, The War Amps and Carpenter Hospice.