WITKOWICZ, Adela Witkowicz - October 4th, 1927 - December 22nd, 2021
It’s with deepest sorrow that we announce that Adela Witkowicz has passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family at Hillsdale Estates at the age of 94.
Adela was born October 4th 1927 in Koden, Poland and was the second youngest of 11 children.
She lived both a very challenging and fulfilling life and was the epitome of perseverance and strength.
During World War II she was conscripted and taken away from her family at the age of 14 by German soldiers to work as a farm hand in Germany.
She survived the War and the allied bombings and was almost killed by Russian forces who were invading Germany at the time.
When the War ended she was left to find her way home, walking hundreds of miles back to Koden and witnessed the devastation of her country first hand, especially in Warsaw.
She eventually settled down to marry Stanley Witkowicz in 1947 and remained married for 50 years until his death in 1997. They had 5 sons.
Their oldest son died when he was only 6 months due to lack of medical care during an impoverished post War Poland. Even during these darkest times she clung to her faith and became a shining example of strength and fortitude. In 1966, in her quest for a better life for her family, she coordinated sponsorship and moved her family to Canada to settle in Oshawa.
Adela was dedicated to her family and worked hard to ensure they had the best opportunities she could afford.
She enjoyed watching her sons grow and especially adored all of her grandchildren and was proud of their accomplishments. She was also a devout Catholic and was a dedicated parishioner to St.Hedwig’s church for over 50 years, being part of their choir, rosary group and custodial services.
Ultimately, Adela loved people and would frequently go to the Oshawa Centre, not to shop, but to meet and converse with people. She loved the little things, like her lotto tickets, Tim Horton’s coffee, going out for breakfast and especially music.
She would often hum, sing or play her accordion along with Polish folk songs. Her enthusiasm for life, love of family, love of animals and everything alive, and strong independence which sometimes bordered on stubbornness was legendary and will be missed.
It’s been said that “Inside every strong woman was a broken little girl who had to learn how to get back up and no to have to depend on anyone.” Life taught mom and she then taught us that life was not promised to us and that we are the only an instrument through which to make the best of a bad day or build an inspired future, thanks mom!
She is survived by 4 sons and daughter in-laws (Tad & Elizabeth, Jerry & Christine, Casey & Ruth, Mark & Jillian), 7 grandchildren (Adam, Matthew, Jason, Alex, Rylee, Thomas & Andrew) and 2 great grandchildren (Lucas & Ethan).
Due to the Pandemic, there will be no visiting hours nor church services.
The private family funeral will take place with interment at Mount Lawn Cemetery .
We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff of Trillium Trails at Hillsdale Estates’ for making her last 5 years comfortable and happy.
Arrangements entrusted with ARMSTRONG FUNERAL HOME .
{fastsocialshare}