Obituary of Irena Wolanski

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Mother, Irena Bass Wolanski on Tuesday April 5, 2022 at Riverview Gardens which was her home for the last two months. She was 95 years of age, born in Poland June 15, 1926.

She will be now reunited with our Dad, Frank Wolanski, who passed away March 2, 2003 after being married for 57years. Mom met our Dad in Germany during World War 2. They married in 1946 in Germany. They dealt with the loss of their first born child, Josephine. They happily welcomed another daughter, Mary. Then in 1949 and 1950, they emigrated to Canada.

Our Parents welcomed four more children, Frank, Walter, Tad and Joanne. We have been so very blessed to be raised by Parents who taught us important values of Life, Faith, Hope and Love. Mom will be missed by her daughter and friend, Mary; son Frank (Judy); son Walter; son Tad (Eugenia); daughter Joanne (Scott) Brackett. Also loved by grandchildren: Melcha Wolanski (her children Tait and Avery); John (Leila) Wolanski and their son Oscar; Elizabeth (Peter) Power (their children Sarah and Laura); Peter Wolanski;  Monica (Adam) Charlton (their children Audrey and Adrian); Andrew Wolanski; Paulina Wolanski (predeceased); Alicja Wolanski; Matthew Brackett (Katy); Christopher Brackett. When Frank and Judy married in 2006, we joyfully added Judy’s children to our family. Her two sons are Jeff (Sarah) Cowan (their daughter Lauren); Jonathan (Jenn) Cowan (their children Evan and Gabriel). Mom is predeceased by her husband Frank, infant daughter Josephine, daughter-in-law Donna, great grandson Atticus, granddaughter Paulina (Paula), daughter-in-law Małgorzata.

How do you sum up a person’s Life’s Journey in a few paragraphs? Each one of us touches so many people in our lifetime, no matter how many years we have been allotted for our journey. Mom was an active member of Our Lady of Victory Church, The Ladies Altar Society and member of the Polish Canadian Club.

She worked outside the home at Libby’s for many years. She was a wonderful cook and baker, did needlepoint, and had many interests such as puzzles, Bingo, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

In her 70s she joined a local gym and worked out several times a week, enjoyed also the social aspect of being a member. Mom loved to be on the go, day trips, going out for coffee. She loved to travel, enjoyed many trips to Europe and closer to home. Mom’s passing brings such feelings of sadness because of the finality.

But it brings us even more joy to know that we were given the gift of so many years with her and that she has reached her final destination to be with God. You will see glimpses of her when you interact with any of her children whom she loved dearly.

Thanks be to God for blessing us with this most beautiful Mom! Mama, we love you now and forever.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Mass of Resurrection at Our Lady of Victory Church on Saturday April 9, 2022 at 11 am.

Everyone is welcome to join the family for the burial in St. Anthony's Cemetery.

Any donations in Mom’s memory can be made to Our Lady of Victory Church, the Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

The Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home 156 William St. S., Chatham is in charge of arrangements.