WASYLKIEWICZ, Lubomira “Lily”
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Lily Wasylkiewicz announce her passing on June 3, 2022 at the age of 89. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family.
Lily is survived by her children, George (Anna) Wasylkiewicz, Luci Russell, Barbara Wasylkiewicz, and Roman (Teresa) Wasylkiewicz; 8 grandchildren, Sayward (Andy), Lauren (Tyler), Michelle (Darren), Christopher (Lindsay), Luke (Larissa), Megan (Derek), Ryan, Tyler (Andrea); 5 great-grandchildren, Kinsley, Avery, Ruby, Zach, and Rue; 3 sisters, Tosia, Marysia, and Kasia; numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Stanley; 3 sisters, Irena, Jadzia, and Lucia; 3 brothers, Apolynary, Valenty, and Heniek.
Lily was so loved by her family and friends. She made an impression on people, with her friendly smile and infectious laugh. She loved to sing whenever she could, enjoyed theatre and the opera, but her favourite events were supporting her grandchildren and great grandchildren at their school concerts, sporting events and celebrating their graduations. She also loved to sew and was an excellent seamstress. Her first job when she came to Edmonton was working for GWG, sewing the Cowboy Kings jeans.
Her life was very interesting and she loved to tell stories about it. At the young age of seven, she and her family were captured by the Soviets during WWII and were sent to Siberian work camps, or gulags, by railcar. In 1941 the family was granted amnesty when the Russians became allies, but they could not return to their homeland in Poland due to the Russian occupation in the area which is now known as Belarus. They were ”displaced persons” and travelled to many allied countries as refugees, including Iran, India and eventually Northern Rhodesia (now known as Zambia, Africa) and finally Italy. During this time, the family experienced tremendous suffering, sickness and loss,
In 1951, the family made their way to Edmonton where Lily’s older sisters, Tosia and Jadzia, were already living after coming to Canada to work. Here Lily met Stanley, a very handsome Polish soldier. They were married on April 25th, 1953 when Lily was just over 20 years old. Stanley was a motorcycle Scout during the war, and became a very good mechanic and body man. He could fix anything, and his oldest son George follows closely in his footsteps. They eventually bought a business with Walter, Stanley’s brother,and his wife Mary. They named it S & W Trail Service, and all four children grew up in that “garage” learning to pump gas, fix cars, and even help do some body work. Lily also worked hard at the garage but raising her family was her priority.
There was always an annual camping trip to Radium Hot Springs for a week and then Moose Lake, with her sisters and their families, for another week. Many times the station wagon was full of not only her children, but quite often other cousins would come along, as well as Babcia and Dziadzo Hulko. On the weekends, Edmonton Beach was the destination for campfires and volleyball. Lily loved being outdoors, camping, picking mushrooms and blueberries, and singing by the campfire. She also loved spending time with her sisters who were all very close and the best of friends.
In the late 70’s the City of Edmonton expropriated Lily and Stanley’s business, S & W Trail Service, and took over the land where it sat on the Northwest corner of 137th Ave and St. Albert Trail. With the money from their business, they purchased 20 acres of land on the Sturgeon river in between St. Albert and Villeneuve. Here they finally retired and built their dream home, which had to be large enough to accommodate many, many grandchildren. It was a wonderful life but sadly, Stanley died in 1982, at the young age of 57 leaving his wife Lily, a widow, at the age of 49. He only got to meet Sayward, his oldest granddaughter. Lily continued to live at the acreage until her passing.
“Mama”, “Babcia”, “Prababcia”
Lily was so proud of her family. She was our anchor, our matriarch; our strong, resilient, kind hearted soul. We will always remember the special lullabies, lap naps, and feelings of immediate comfort when we were with our Babcia. She helped us all to become who we are, and we all love her so much. It is a struggle to think of all of our tomorrows without her. We know though, that she would want us to carry on with lightness in our hearts, humour in our days, enjoy the simple things, and mostly “ take care of ourselves.” So that’s what we will do. We will miss you every single day.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 17 at Holy Rosary Catholic Parish, 11485 – 106 Street, Edmonton. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so the hour prior to Mass. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. If desired, donations in memory of Lily may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Lorraine and Stan Hryniw says
So sorry for your loss. We will offer our prayers for her soul. RIP
Barb Wasylkiewicz says
Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers Lorraine
Jean szelagiewicz says
Barb, Lauren & Family
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your mum, grandma, great grandma.
Say not in grief that she has gone, but give thanks that she was yours
Barb Wasylkiewicz says
Jean thank you so much for thinking of us. We already miss her so much and yes we are so grateful she was ours.
Jody Beugeling says
We are sending our deepest condolences to you all. This is a beautiful write up about Lily and her life. I could feel the love pouring from it and I send you all so much love in return.
Love from Shawn & Jody, Isaiah & Summer Wasylkiewicz/Beugeling
Barb Wasylkiewicz says
Thank you Jody and Shawn for your kind words. Mom loved her family and her extended family. it was so important to her.
Tom Douglas says
This is a beautiful story for a beautiful grandmother! From our family to yours you are all in our thoughts and prayers…we were all so lucky to meet and be loved by Babcia! Just know she is now watching over all of us from Heaven- I will miss her many stories over the glasses of wine we shared together… Rest In Peace Dear Babcia. Love from the Douglas family.
Barb Wasylkiewicz says
Thank you so much Tom, Louise and the rest of the family. She always felt welcome in your home, from the time Michelle and Darren got involved then engaged and married. Thank you for always being so kind to her, listening to her stories. and treating her like family. I still laugh when she used to come home and say ‘who is that old guy with white hair that I always drink wine with??’
Lesley Wasylkiewicz says
Lily was a very special person, I loved to hear her sing and tell her stories about her courageous history. She was a very bright star and will shine brightly in heaven for sure. My sincere condolences to her family.
Barb Wasylkiewicz says
Thank you so much Lesley for your kind words. She loved to sing with Ted especially when he would play guitar by the fire. Such beautiful memories of family.
Anna Wanchuk says
With our deepest sympathy, your mom was a kind gentle soul, hugs to all of you.
Barb Wasylkiewicz says
Thank you for thinking of us Anna. Yes we are already missing her humour and the comfort she brought to her whole family.
Christina Kinnear says
Our sincerest condolences to all of you! Lily was a very special person. She will be missed. May the many happy memories you shared together ease the loss.
Czesia Baziuk, Christina and Family, Liz and Family
Barb Wasylkiewicz says
Thank you so much for your kind words and condolences Christina, Liz and the rest of the family. She was very special and we already miss her so much.
James and Shelley Zur says
Lots of memories!! Will always remember trips to the Beach when we came up from Coleman!! Lots of singing and everyone enjoying themselves!! Condolences to everyone!!
Kate White says
I am so sorry for your loss. Her beautiful smile and laughter will always stay in my mind.
Erick Bennett says
she was good people sorry for your loss
Derek Pruss says
A woman as amazing as Babcia could only be the product of a background full of substance and experience.
It’s abundantly clear that she had a huge impact on so many and I feel thankful to have gotten to meet and spend time with her. She had a smile as huge as her heart.
I’m sorry that she’s no longer with us but I know she would be so proud that she impressed the best parts of herself on her children and grandchildren.
Lots of love,
The Pruss Family
Joy Hart says
I’m so sorry for your heartache, Barb. I know you’ll miss your mom tremendously and pray you find comfort knowing you’ll see her again. Love and hugs from Texas.
Joy Hart
Jacenta Friesen says
Barb and family,
Our deepest condolences to all. Your mother lived a horrific life as a teenager in a war camp. Her bravery and willpower brought her to Alberta where she met her husband, had a family and lived a good life in Edmonton. Thank God she had her sisters to remember her home as a child. Now your mother rests in peace. She has children who love and cared for her and her grandchildren. She lived until 89, how wonderful to have her for so long. Cherish your time you had with her, and Thank God for her, she raised you as a single mother. What a beautiful soul she was. Her family was everything to her. May a part of Lili live in everyone’s lives that she touched. R.I.P. love from Jacenta (Maloney Friesen.
Andrew Roznicki says
Dear George, Luci, Barb, Roman:
It was with sadness to hear of the loss of your Mother, who I have fond memories of as Ciocia Lila from my childhood. With deepest sympathy, our condolences to you and your families. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We pray for the repose of your Mother’s soul, may she rest in peace.
Andrew & Monika
George Szwender says
Condolences to the entire family and hope you find strength in her memory, she was very nice person,
we feel your loss.
George Szwender and Family
Michelle Flasha says
Sincerest condolences Barb, Michelle, Kinsley and all the family. She was a special lady and her love will live on in your hearts forever. Find peace in your many special memories. Hugs to all!
Rebecca Milne says
Dearest Barbie and family – I loved your mom and her bright, indomitable spirit. You are so like her in that way. I remember fondly her close friendship with Mary Wasylkiewicz. She was always so loving and kind to Ted Kaklin, to our daughters Kenna and Tess and to me. She touched many lives and will be missed and remembered by many. Love and hugs 💗
Helen Galas says
My sincerest sympathies to you all on the loss of very lovely lady. May she Rest In Peace. May precious memories of her get you through your grief.
Helen Galas(Labuda)
Teresa Goldsack says
Dear George, Lucy, Barb and Roman,
Sincerest sympathies to all of you. I have such fond memories of Ciocia Lila. She will truly be missed by everyone that knew her. May she rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Terry and Teresa Goldsack
Stanley and Janina Roznicki says
Dear George, Luci, Barb, Roman
With deepest sympathy, our condolences to you and your families, and keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We have warm memories of your Mother: so hospitable, gentle, her good nature and person that she was. We pray for the repose of her soul, may she rest in peace.
Wujek Staszek i Ciocia Janka
Krystyna Lam says
So very sorry to hear the passing of my Ciocia Lila. She was always special to me because she was caring and kind. She always included me on family holidays and outings and I am so grateful . I will miss seeing her whenever I come to Edmonton but she is forever in my heart. Love has always Surrounded her. May she Rest In Peace. Hugs Krysia
Jackie Seguin says
What beautiful words for an amazing person. I am so happy Michelle brought her into our lives. I will never forget her singing to my daughter in Polish and the joy it brought all of us.
Lots of love,
Jackie & family