Obituary of Genia "Genny" Ulicki

Peacefully, surrounded by her family at Riverview Gardens on Monday May 20, 2024 in her hundredth year.  Beloved wife of the late Mike Ulicki (2010).  Born in Poland in 1924, daughter of the late Powoskiewa (Skuvko) and Peter Simanowiec.  Loving mother of Irene Duff (late Gordon) and Ann Peck and her husband Richard.  Grandmother of Genny (Andrew) Thiel, Gord (Stephanie) Duff, Shawn Peck and Tasha (Tim) Sanford and 8 great grandchildren. 

After a happy childhood and adolescence in a picturesque village, Genny’s life took a dramatic turn during World War Two. She was taken from Poland and made to work in a slave camp in Germany. She was married in Germany after the war in a dress she made from parachute silk. She was such a talented seamstress that five other brides in the work camp subsequently wore her dress in their own weddings.

She and Mike immigrated to Canada in 1950 speaking almost no English and with very little money. Mike worked on farms and later at Libby’s while Genny made a home for their family. She worked in the fields doing seasonal labor and later used her sewing skills in drapery and upholstery work. She was not afraid of hard work and instilled that in her children. Faith was important to Genny, she was a lifetime member of the Lady of Victory Church and sang in the choir. She enjoyed coming together with members of the Chatham Polish community, singing and dancing in the church hall. No one ever left her house hungry; she always had a fresh babka coming out of the oven.

The family would like to thank the staff of Riverview Gardens, especially the staff of the fourth floor, for the wonderful care and attention they showed her during her time there. She will be missed and forever loved. Friends and relatives may call at the Hinnegan Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday May 22, 2024.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday May 23, 2024 at 11 am in Our Lady of Victory Church. Burial will be in St. Anthony's Cemetery. Donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.