In remembrance of Janina Dolegowski nee Cichon

October 10, 1936 to July 29, 2022

“A mother holds her child's hand for just a short time but holds their heart forever.”
…Diane Frankenstein

In the early morning hours of July 29, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Health Care Centre in Toronto, Janina Dolegowski passed away suddenly after experiencing complications due to a chronic health condition. Her pain finally ended and she found the peace she so wanted in the months, weeks and days leading up to her passing. Janina was 85 years old and very special to all who knew her.

Janina was born in the small village of Lubatowa in south eastern Poland on October 10th, 1936. She was the oldest of four children and from a young age dreamed of leaving life on the farm to explore new and exciting opportunities. She started working in Ivonicz Zdroj in her late teens and in her early twenties met Julian Dolegowski who had already started making plans to come to North America in search of a better future.

Together they made that dream come true. They married and she had their first child Walter, before travelling to Canada in 1961 to reunite with her husband. She embraced her new life in Canada wanting to learn the English language and become fluent as quickly as possible. She had two more children Christine and Diane and spent time as a homemaker until her children were school age. Janina worked for many years as a cook in a day care centre making delicious meals and splitting her time looking after her home, her husband, her children and her grandchildren. She was an amazing cook and the whole family looked forward to eating whatever she made especially her pierogi and patyczki which were delicious. She retired in 1996 at age 60 and was able to spend more time reading, cooking and tending to her beloved garden. Janina loved flowers and was often photographed posing near them. She was a long time parishioner and became a more active member of the St. Stanislaus Kostka Senior’s club where many games of bingo were played and laughter shared. In recent years she selflessly cared for her husband Julian who is a cancer survivor. She tended to his every need despite her own worsening health issues and Julian is eternally grateful for her love and support over their many years of marriage.

Janina is survived by her ever loving husband of 63 years Julian; her son Walter, daughters Christine and Diane, their spouses Deb, Andrew and Richard and grand (and great grand) children Brandon, Monika, Katya, Jeff, Julia, Conrad, Dean and Colt. Janina leaves behind a legacy of love of family and respect for hard work and education. Although her own opportunities were limited she always encouraged her children and grandchildren to work hard to achieve their goals. She was fiercely protective and always worried about everyone’s safety and wellbeing. No one could leave the house without an undershirt and hat on no matter what season! Although she is no longer with us physically she will live on in our hearts and God will find ways for her to continue to keep an eye out for everyone she loved. The scent of fresh flowers will act as a reminder that she is still with us. We love you very much.

Kochana Zona, Mama i Babcia… Niech Twoja piekna dusza spoczywa w spokoj.