With heavy hearts, the family of Barbara Grabowski announces that our beloved Mother passed away peacefully on September 9, 2021 at age 99, surrounded by her daughters and extended family for most of this day. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ewa Olszewska (nee Pszczolkowska) and Col. Miroslaw Olszewski (Virtuti Militari), brother Tadeusz Olszewski, our cousin Michael and our father Roman Grabowski. She is survived by her daughters Ewa Grabowski, Hania Grabowski (Richard Mundell) and Barbara McNab (Jack McNab) and extended family: Hanna Olszewski, Dorothy Olszewski-Williams, Yvonne Olszewski (Fraser), Matt (Melissa), Shelly, Krystyna (Dexter) and the Zielinski and Nadolski families in Poland.
Born in Uscilug and raised in Poland by parents who devoted their lives to the service of their country, Barbara devoted her life to helping others. War interrupted a happy childhood and forced her family to make a long, difficult pilgrimage through Europe. Barbara finished her studies in Antibes and
Grenoble and graduated with Diplomas in Domestic Science & Institutional Management from Edinburgh College. She volunteered with the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) and was one of 36 women who formed the nucleus of the Polish WAAF. Following recruitment and N.C.O. training, she became Catering Officer at the RAF station, Bomber Command until WW II ended. She attained the rank of Captain. She met and married the love of her life in England, RAF navigator Maj. Roman Grabowski. Roman received part of his RAF training in Canada and was very much taken aback by the beauty of the land and the kindness of the people. Therefore, following World War II, and due to a shortage of work in England, they agreed to emigrate to Canada.
Canadian immigration policy at that time dictated that all immigrants were required to settle in the Canadian West as farmers. Consequently, they decided to follow their friends and family to Argentina where his professional credentials were accepted and he was hired by Shell Oil Corporation.
In 1949, Ewa was born in Comodoro Rivadavia and in 1952 Hania was born in Buenos Aires.
In 1953 there was uncertainty with Peron’s government, and Canada had relaxed it’s immigration policy. As a result, Barbara and Roman emigrated to Canada where Roman began his career with the Federal Government as a Professional Engineer in Defence Construction and in 1954 their third daughter, Barbara was born.
After raising her family, Barbara resumed her education, which included a BA from Carleton U. and Bach. and MA degrees in Library Science from U of O. She also completed the course work for an MA in Slavistics. Barbara taught for 3 years at Ottawa U High School before joining McArthur High School in 1971 as Head Librarian, a position she held to retirement.
Barbara invited a steady stream of visitors to her cottage at Wadsworth Lake, near Barry’s Bay and happily participated in the Polish cottage community there. Barbara traveled widely. She spoke five languages fluently. With great pride Barbara recounted that she had visited 71 countries. One visit to Europe included a private audience with Pope John Paul II.
Barbara was very active in the Polish community. She volunteered with the Polish Professional Engineers Association, Women’s Auxiliary which she founded, the Polish theater and as a teacher in Polish school. She has been decorated on numerous occasions, including the Silver Medal of Valor from the Polish Congress and numerous awards from the Polish Combatants Association (SPK). Additionally, at age 96, by invitation of the Polish govt., she attended the gathering of WW II Veterans held in Warsaw in 2018.
Special thanks to the amazing staff at Embassy West Senior Living and Landmark Court for taking such great care of Barbara in her last years.
Funeral Mass at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 25th at Saint Hyacinth Roman Catholic Church, 201 Lebreton St. N. Reception follows by Invitation. In lieu of flowers, donations to Dom Polski (SPK) would be appreciated. (Tax receipt provided.) Friends are invited to click the link below or to mail their donation to Polish Combatants Association (SPK), 379 Waverley St., Ottawa ON, K2P 0W4. Due to COVID restrictions, a maximum of 70 guests are permitted at the Church and Reception.
Please register in advance by calling McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home at (613) 737-7900. Only double vaccinated people will be admitted. Proof of two vaccinations is required. Sadly, no children.
CONDOLENCES/TRIBUTES/DONATIONS McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home and Chapel 1411 Hunt Club Road, 613-737-7900 McEvoy-Shields.com
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