CAROL DOBROWOLSKI (MCELROY)

Condolences & Memories (4 entries)

• I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Dobrowolski. I am very saddened to come across this unfortunate news rather unexpectedly. I found this post when I was trying to find her old email to catch-up with her. I moved to Canada as a first-generation (or "1.5 gen") immigrant at the age of 11 in 2010. Then, about a year later, I started attending Westdale in Charleswood as I turned grade 7. At the time, I could not speak English very well - in fact, I could hardly write a sentence. When I was lost due to the language barrier, it was Ms. Dobrowolski that offered to help me with my English - particularly with essays. She wasn't even my homeroom teacher and I never had her as my regular teacher for my classes. Yet, she offered to spend her spare time with me. During my three years at Westdale, I probably spent the majority of my time with her. I used to go to her classroom early morning before school, at lunch, and even after school every day to get as much help as I could. Ms. Dobrowolski even stayed at school until 5 PM on Fridays just to help me. She would sit and help me write and proofread my essays and study science subjects. During these times, never once did she show any signs of annoyance or tiredness. She always welcomed me and offered a helping hand. As much as I appreciated her, I felt deeply sorry for always taking her time away. When I told her how sorry I felt, she smiled and told me that she wished "all of [her] students were as hard-working as [me]." Instead of simply acknowledging her hard work, she used my apology to uplift me! Only a true educator would be so modest, sweet, and encouraging to her students. I was deeply moved by her love and support that I still have not forgotten about this sweet anecdote even (almost) 10 years after. To me, she was more than an ordinary middle-school teacher. She was a true educator who taught and supported her students with genuine passion and love. Thanks to her encouragement, love, and support, not only did I improve my grades and English tremendously at the time, but I was also able to develop a great work ethic at such a young age and never stopped challenging myself since then. Last year, I graduated from McGill University and am currently preparing for law school admissions. I was planning to reach out to her via email once I get admitted (or settle down with a stable job) to tell her how much she meant to me and that I was able to make it this far because of her. It is very saddening to know that I now have no way of telling her and I regret not reaching out to her earlier as I was going through personal difficulties the past few years. Ms. Dobrowolski always did and always will hold a special place in my heart. I really mean it when I say that no words can describe how amazing and sweet she was. I truly, truly loved her. If you are reading this and you are a family member of Ms. Dobrowolski, I really would like to get in touch (via email [saim06303@gmail.com]) and just express that I had very happy, delightful memories with her. I once again express my condolences. Rest in peace, Ms. Dobrowolski. Lisa Shin - Posted by: Saim (Lisa) Shin (Former student) on: Apr 20, 2023

• First of all, I want to send my upmost condolences to everyone apart of Carol Dobrowolski's family and friends, and everyone in between and out who cared deeply about her. This sorrowing news has only come to me through the likes of friends in the past month or so of 2022, and I have just now found this obituary page for her as well as any other articles online as of today. I have not heard any news from any of the Pembina Trails school division staff or websites, just her retirement in 2021. I am deeply saddened to have to write this out before seeing her one last time, as I haven't got to see her lovely kind hearted smile since I was in grade 7 from her class at the the end of the year. I know Ms. Dobrowolski on a personal level as she was my English, Social Studies, Math, and Homeroom teacher in grade 7. We got along perfectly, as Ms. Dobrowloski was one of the most genuine, friendly, passionate, and pure hearted person I have met, who also loved working with children and working as a teacher. We had some laughs and good times that I will remember forever. It gives me grief that I can't write her an email telling her how much I've grown and how much I miss her lectures of teaching about proper spelling and writing mechanics, and the history of Canada, and our session about Human Rights, and everything else. But I know that she would've been proud and I will always cherish our times together. I hope everyone stays safe during these times of COVID-19 And everything else that is happening. If anyone wants information of anything that I may still remember of Carol Dobrowolski, please contact; noahcooksbusinessemail98@gmail.com. Rest in peace Carol Dobrowolski. -Noah Cook, Grade 10 Student of Pembina Trails. - Posted by: Noah Cook (Student of Carol Dobrowolski) on: Oct 15, 2022

• Dale we are very sorry to hear of Carol’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. - Posted by: Paul & Deb Pfrimmer (Neighbors) on: Jan 16, 2022

• Carol was very special and such a giving talented lady. She sewed many outfits for my daughters and the love she put into them showed through. Sending love to Dale and all family. - Posted by: Neil Zielke (Friends of Carol and Dale) on: Jan 15, 2022