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SOPHIE VICTORIA CZAJKA
(nee PIATKOWSKI)
1949 - 2023
During the evening of March 14, 2023, Sophie passed away at the age of 74, with her husband and daughters by her side.
Sophie was born in northern Poland in 1949. Her family immigrated to Winnipeg in 1961. Growing up, Sophie challenged the norms as she was the only woman in her year in drafting while attending Tech Voc High School. Upon graduating, she obtained her teaching certificate and worked as a teacher in Swan River, MB. She also spent a year teaching in Barbados. After realizing that teaching was not her calling, she found her niche as a draftsperson for the federal government and worked for various departments across the country (DND, PFRA, INAC) until her retirement in 2007.
On a visit to Chicago in 1976, she met her husband-to-be Frank - he picked up the bikini bottoms she dropped on the ground while leaving the swimming pool change room at the Polish club where he was working. After a brief, long-distance romance, Sophie returned to Chicago to marry Frank in 1977 and he then joined her in Canada. They just celebrated 45 years of marriage in 2022 and have two beautiful daughters, Cynthia and Nicole.
Since her retirement, Sophie has been a dedicated member of the North Centennial Senior's Association. She has been a passionate volunteer with the Grandma and Grandpa Swim Program, rediscovered her passion for painting, spent time travelling with her family, enjoyed playing cards with her friends and doted on her grandsons.
She was predeceased by her parents, Stanislaw and Antonia Piatkowski. She leaves to mourn her passing her husband Frank, her daughters, Cynthia (James) and Nicole (Kathy), her brother Ben (Connie), nephew Peter (Dille), her grandsons, Connor, Matty, Logan and Arthur, step-nephews, Harley and Garrett, step- niece Tami, her family in Poland and many beloved friends.
Babcia, you will always be in our hearts.
Her Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 31, 2023 at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Reception to follow. To honour Sophie's love of colour, please wear bright colours.
In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations can be made to the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 25, 2023
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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Dr. Cynthia: I am so very sorry to read of your mom's passing in the Wpg. Free Press. She was only 74. I am now 73 and again am very sorry to hear of your beloved mom`s passing. Way too young. My mom was 96 when she passed. Sending heartfelt condolences from Kenora to all. Take care. Sincerely, Marjorie Zimmer. - Posted by: Marjorie Zimmer (acquaintance) on: Mar 27, 2023
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I meet Sophie in 1974. She was a fun loving, on the dance floor classy lady, lots of energy. She loved her work for the government and activism for the union. When she married Frank and had her 2 daughters they traveled all over the world and Poland to see family. Anyone who knew Sophie knew she cared deeply for her 4 - legged fur babies. I will miss you, my friend. - Posted by: Louise Machinski (Friend of 48 years ) on: Mar 25, 2023
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Sophie and I were best friends during our teenage years. We had many sleepovers especially at the Piatkowski home on Polson. We enjoyed many camping trips to Falcon Lake and later to Blair. She was a fun and devoted friend. Although distance kept us apart when I moved to Montreal we always kept in touch. My sincere condolences to you Frank, Cynthia, Nicole, Ben and your families. May God grant her eternal peace. Rest in peace my friend. - Posted by: Roma Dziarmaga (Friend ) on: Mar 25, 2023
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