October 15, 1923 - February 17, 2013
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Elizabeth Catherine Szadkowski. Mom was born in the coal mining town of Michel/Natal, B.C. on October 15, 1923 and went on to lead a full and happy life. She grew up in the loving Gergel Family who instilled the strong sense of faith and the importance of family. It was here she met Chester, a dashing young man from Poland, and they married on April 28, 1951. They soon followed family to Ladysmith where they welcomed their own three children. Work opportunities later brought the young family to Sooke where they went on to host many celebrations, always with a focus on family, friends, and delicious food! Although heartbroken over the loss of Dad in 1994, she continued to shower her growing family with unconditional love. Her final days were spent surrounded by the family she adored - her daughter Kathy (Glen) Smale, son Randy (Laurie) Szadkowski and daughter Carolyn (Janice) Szadkowski, her much loved grandchildren Nicholas (Tera) Szadkowski, Brianne (Chris) Crocker, Kari (Reagan) Stauble and cherished great-grandchildren Mikayla, Gracie Elizabeth, Nixon, Barrett, Hudson and the much anticipated arrival of baby Stauble. Pre-deceased by her siblings Anne, Joey, and Mary, she leaves her sister Margaret Weaver and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. She will also be missed by her many friends. She was a woman of strong faith and the heart of our family. We will miss our family’s matriarch and promise to lovingly honour the traditions she has taught us.
Thank you to the many family and friends who attended Mom’s Funeral Mass and reception at St. Rose of Lima Church, on Tuesday, February 26. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation.