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KAROLINA RUDZKI
Born: Jan 08, 1925
Date of Passing: Apr 23, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryKAROLINA RUDZKI
It is with deep love and gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of Karolina Rudzki at the age of 101.
Karolina is survived by her daughter Janina (Joseph) Majowski; her grandchildren Kathy (Rene), Gene, and Francis; her great-grandchildren Liliana, Joshua, and Sophia; and many extended family members in Canada and Poland. She was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Stanislaw; her daughter Michalina; her brother Michał; and many friends and loved ones.
Karolina was born on January 8, 1925, to Jan and Katarzyna Dabrus (nee Bemben) in Rakow Kat, Poland, where she grew up on her family’s farm. From a young age, she learned the value of hard work, resilience, and responsibility. During the difficult years of the Second World War, Karolina remained at home to support her parents when her brother left to serve, taking on even greater responsibilities with determination.
In 1965, she immigrated to Canada with her family, building a new life rooted in the same values that shaped her early years. Family was at the centre of everything Karolina did. She was deeply devoted to caring for her own mother, whom she supported with love and dignity until the end of her life.
Karolina was known for her strength, her tireless work ethic, and her steady, grounding presence. She played a deeply meaningful role in raising her grandchildren, sharing not only her time but her knowledge and wisdom. She taught them how to garden, clean, organize, cook, and bake - skills rooted in care, pride, and independence. She was also a talented seamstress and knitter, and her children and grandchildren were fortunate to grow up wearing and enjoying the clothing and handmade items she created with such care. In testament to her craftsmanship, pieces she made in the 1970s for her daughters were later worn again by her granddaughter and great-granddaughter as fashions came full circle. More than anything, she showed them what it meant to live a good life: one grounded in hard work, kindness, faith, and family. She was also a firm and loving protector, never hesitating to speak up when she felt her grandchildren needed an ally (usually teaming up with them against their parents).
In true Karolina fashion, at 59 years old she decided to take driving lessons and successfully earned her driver’s license. This wasn’t out of a desire to drive, but so she could confidently (and loudly) offer directions and suggestions from the passenger seat to her husband. True to form, after passing her test, she never drove again.
Following a stroke in 2012, Karolina remained steadfast in her wish to stay in her home, and we supported her in the community for as long as possible. When it became clear that her quality of life would be impacted, she made the difficult decision to move to a care home. It did not take long for her to recognize that she was in a place where she would be well cared for, and she was truly appreciative of the support she received. Our family is deeply grateful to the staff and volunteers at the Maples Personal Care Home for the kindness, respect, and care they provided over the past thirteen years.
Above all, Karolina was immensely proud of her family. Her legacy lives on through the generations she nurtured, supported, and loved so deeply.
In her later years, she found joy in simple and meaningful moments: Sunday lunches surrounded by family, trips to the casino, listening to Polish radio programs, and cheering on her great-granddaughter at performances. She was rarely one to sit idle and continued playing bingo nearly until the very end. Karolina remained sharp, engaged, and interested in the world around her until just a few weeks before her passing, and we are grateful she was able to enjoy one last Easter Mass and brunch with her family.
Karolina will be remembered for her strength, her devotion, and the powerful way she shaped the lives of those around her.
She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.
Prayers will be at Cropo Funeral Chapel on Friday, May 1 at 8:00 p.m., 1442 Main Street, and Funeral Mass at Holy Ghost Church on May 2 at 10:00 a.m., 342 Pritchard Avenue.
Pallbearers will be Gene Majowski, Francis Majowski, Rene Poluyko, Liliana Lavallee, Joshua Majowski, Sophia Majowski, Mark Jaworski.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 30, 2026
