In her 93rd year with family by her side, passed peacefully at the Brantford General Hospital on Sunday, October 11, 2020. Predeceased by her loving parents, Antoni and Anna Zukowski, her brother, and her husband Antoni (2009). Deeply loved mother of Alice Sroka (Richard) and Anthony. Proud and loving Babcia of Michael (Caitlin), Paul (Katy), and Peter (Candice). Pro Babcia to her deeply cherished grandchildren Caleb, Kinley, Emmett, Blair and Ruby.
Born in Bialystok Poland, Janina was blessed with a large and loving extended family. During adolescence Janina experienced first-hand great loss and the horrors of WWII. She endured the occupation of Poland by two opposing hostile fronts; eventually being captured and placed into forced labour under appalling conditions. After the war Janina arrived in Canada and settled in Brantford fulfilling a year of indentured work. Subsequently meeting her husband, Antoni to whom she was married for 55 years. While raising a family, Janina’s work experience was within the tobacco farming and manufacturing sectors; but her position as the Head Cook at the Polish Alliance, Albion Street Hall was her greatest and most celebrated work achievement. Her reputation for preparing and catering delicious meals for weddings, banquets and seasonal parties reached far and wide. Janina’s highly creative pastry skills earned her many requests for special custom tortes. Janina was also deeply involved with the Polish Alliance Ladies Circle, over the years serving in roles of Treasurer, Secretary and President. Janina was greatly instrumental in the creation of the original Polish Youth Polonaise Dance Group. Janina’s creative skills also included sewing, knitting, and paper tole art. She loved to cottage in Northern Ontario, especially picking wild blueberries to make fresh jam. Also, Janina avidly enjoyed fishing and making delectable meals from her catch.
Janina will be remembered as a kind and gentle lady who always put others ahead of herself. Her unconditional love, resilience and endurance are her legacy. Janina lived an amazing life overcoming all odds and challenges to live a very long and beautiful life; a proud Canadian always thankful especially for her children, grandsons and their wives and great grandchildren. It is suiting that she decided to enter heaven on a feast day. It is with great certainty that Janina got right to work and blessed heaven with a remarkable Thanksgiving meal.
Sto lat Mama, Babcia, Pro Babcia!
Thank you for your legacy. You will always remain in our hearts. God bless!
A private family mass will be held to celebrate Janina’s life with interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.thorpebrothersfh.com
Donations in memory of Janina may be made to The Canadian Cancer Society.
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