FRANCISZKA DREWNIAK (LEPIESZCZAK) -

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

FRANCISZKA DREWNIAK (nee LEPIESZCZAK) 1911 - 2007 Peacefully, following a lengthy illness, with her loving family at her side, our dearest Mother and Grandmother passed away. On January 1, 2007 with a single tear in her eye, Franciszka took her last breath at the age of 95 and went to be with God. She didn't speak but with her golden heart, she said: bye-bye. She suffered much in silence, she fought so hard to stay. Franciszka was born in Poland, on September 7, 1911, in the village of Postolowka, province of Tarnopol. She was predeceased by her brother Feliks in 1908, sister Maria in 1909, mother Rozalia (nee Bemben) in 1919, sister Magdalena in 1921, two step-brothers: Jan and Piotr (before the Second World War), daughter Jozefa in 1948, Father Michal in 1976, and husband Jozef in 1996. Left to mourn her passing are her children and their spouses: Wanda Drul (Boris), Tadeusz Drewniak (Elzbieta), granddaughter Sonia Drewniak Brass (Christopher), two younger sisters: Maria Polna in the old country and step-sister Stefania Mikulska in Poland and their family, as well as numerous relatives and friends in Canada and in Poland. Franciszka lived through the First and Second World Wars and witnessed many atrocities in Poland. Her father immigrated twice to USA before the First World War. He worked there for some years before returning to his native country as a prosperous man, able to give his family a very good life. He wanted to bring his three daughters to the States and prepared all the documents but Franciszka's grandmother did not allow them to go. In 1921, Franciszka's father returned to Poland and later remarried Anna Krawiec. On May 9, 1931 Franciszka married Jozef Drewniak. Together they built a life on a beautiful piece of farm land, which was considered substantial in those days. After a few years of marriage they were blessed with three children. Their new home was over-flowing of Polish character and touched with warmth, but their good life did not last. When 1939 arrived, Hitler attacked Poland and Hell on earth began. Jozef was obligated to participate in battle and Franciszka remained with her children and mother-in-law. In late fall 1945 Franciszka's family was driven out of their village, forced to leave everything behind. Franciszka's journey to new Poland with small, hungry and half bare children took three weeks by cargo railway, plus six weeks of waiting in the winter, in a shed made of straw, for the train to arrive. Not far from the German border Franciszka met her husband as he returned from war. They started a new life. In spring 1971 Franciszka's son Tadeusz immigrated to Canada followed by her daughter, Wanda, in the fall of 1977. In May 1981 Franciszka and Jozef were brought over. Once again they left behind everything - their home, farm and pension, but they were very happy to be with their children and family from both sides. They helped with work on the farm in Oakburn, Manitoba, where they lived with Wanda and her husband, Boris. Franciszka and Jozef celebrated their 50th, 60th and 65th wedding anniversaries happily in Canada. In their old age their children took care of them in every way. In summer 2002 Franciszka moved with her daughter Wanda and son-in-law to their new home in Winnipeg. She enjoyed life in the city. Since childhood she was always a very hard working person. She never took time for herself and never asked for anything in return. She was the most patient, quiet, kind, understanding and strong woman, completely devoted to her family, the Roman Catholic Church and Polish culture. She was capable of producing a smile in even the most critical moments of her life. Franciszka would always tell her children to take care of and support each other; she appreciated people who were themselves. She loved children, even children she just met would be cherished by her. Thank-you Father Slawek Trzasko for hearing her confession and giving her Holy Communion and Extreme Unction. We are thankful to Home Care Services for their help, especially for Sylvia Jarzabek who treated Franciszka like her own grandmother, gave her hugs and kisses everytime she came for her home care appointment. We are grateful to the doctors, nurses and all the working staff at Concordia Hospital for looking after Franciszka and for their kindness, sympathy and understanding offered to us in such a difficult time. Thank you to all who inquired about Franciszka, who sent flowers and cards wishing her well and visited her in the hospital. To the many others that we may have missed thank you for being so thoughtful in our time of grief. Your kindness will be appreciated and remembered. Franciszka's children thank you God for the precious gift of Mother and Grandmother. They have been blessed with her love. They will be her legacy. They give now their dearest Mother and Grandmother in God's loving care. Dear Mother and Grandmother, So many times we will miss you So many times we will cry, if our love could have saved you, you never would have died. A celebration of Franciszka's life will be held on January 6, 2007 with rosary starting at 10:00 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Church, 341 Selkirk Ave. with an Oblate Father officiating. Interment will follow in the Holy Ghost Cemetery and reception at Holy Ghost Church. Memorial donations may be made to the Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Church, 341 Selkirk Ave, for cemetery renovations. Wieczny odpoczynek racz jej dac, Panie. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 04, 2007