August 1, 1926 - February 29, 2020
On February 29, 2020, Janina Drzewiecki, loving mother of six children, plus 14 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren, peacefully passed away at the age of 93. Her beautiful, big, loving heart stopped beating as she slept. She winged her way to Heaven to join her husband Sylwester, daughter Krystyna, and grandson Lance, and others that went before her.
Janina was born on August 1, 1926 in Omelanka, Poland. She lived through the hardships of the Second World War in Germany and immigrated to Canada with her husband and baby in 1949. They settled in Nanaimo, BC where she lived for 70 years. She lived the last year and a half of her life in the Okanagan.
Janina worked very hard and was forever grateful for the wonderful life she and her husband made for themselves and their children in Canada. She never took freedom, peace, and food for granted.
She was completely devoted to her family and loved each one unconditionally. She was humble, non-judgemental, and selfless. Her love overlooked any flaws.
She had a passion for homemaking, flowers, and giving. Her arms and her door were always open and her table filled with Polish dishes and baking. Her garden was full of colourful flowers from spring to fall. At age 92 she discovered the joy of painting and loved watching her bright creations emerge.
Janina was known for her big smile, optimism, and sense of humour. She lit up the room with love and acceptance, and never complained. "I'm fine. I'm fine," she would say. She had a beautiful, unfaltering faith in God and bestowed her blessings daily on everyone saying, "God Bless you and your whole family."
Thank you, Mama / Babcia / Pra-Babcia, for the countless memories of food, fun, laughter, and love, and for being the best and most wonderful Mom and caregiver in the whole world. You were one of a kind. In your 93 years of life you touched so many lives and were deeply, deeply loved. You will walk with us each day in our hearts and we will love you forever. We have been blessed by you.
Janina's funeral service will take place at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Nanaimo on April 4th at noon.