S.p. Zofia Śliwonik
February 17, 1932 – Przybylow, Poland
March 8, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta
John 14:6
Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me”.
Zofia Sliwonik caught the non-stop flight to Heaven with Jesus on Friday, March 8, 2024, at the age of 92 years.
Zofia was a devoted wife and loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Juggling her duties in the home, on the job, and at her parish church, Zofia was also an eager volunteer, helpful neighbour, and loyal friend. She was a proud member of the Polish Combatants. From the parish Priest to the friend down the street, you were always welcome to a bowl of homemade soup and a smile in Zofia’s kitchen. Above all, Zofia was a disciple and faithful follower of Jesus and a prayerful daughter to His mother Mary. She expressed her Catholic faith through service to others and in daily gratitude to God and His Kingdom. She remained fully contented that Jesus would be with her at His calling, as He promised. Born in Przybylow, Poland, in 1932, Zofia and her family endured the hard lives of ordinary people living under Communism and struggling in an occupied Poland throughout World War II. After the war, Zofia had a career in accounting. She emigrated to Canada in 1966 on the MS Batory in search of a better life for herself, mother and young son, Ted. It was in Calgary that Zofia met her beloved husband Anthony and his two daughters, Helen and Marlene. They united their families and added their own daughter, Theresa, in 1969. The Sliwoniks enjoyed family gatherings, dinner parties with friends, camping, travelling, gardening, and church dances. Zofia was predeceased by her husband Anthony, her parents Katarzyna and Jan Zakowicz, and her brothers Jozef, Marian, Michal, and Wladyslaw. Zofia is survived by her son Ted (Malgorzata) Borecki, daughter Theresa (Mark) Love, and stepdaughters Helen (Roy) Moore and Marlene (Loren) Hambly. She enjoyed her four grandchildren, Phil (Christina) Moore, Joanna Borecki (Michel Murphy), Cam Hambly (Erin Gasparini), and Emilia Borecki; as well as two great-grandchildren, Melia and Ally Moore. There is a far longer list of relatives, ‘near family’, and lifelong friends, as her love of all showed no bounds.
Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at Our Lady Queen of Peace Polish Catholic Church (2111 Uxbridge Drive N.W., Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady Queen of Peace Polish Catholic Church (2111 Uxbridge Drive N.W., Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Reception to follow at the Church.
Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Zofia’s service streamed live here on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.
Zofia would have thanked each and every one of us for our prayers and remembrances and remind us to thank Jesus every day for the blessings we receive through His Grace.
In lieu of flowers, Zofia requested that those wishing to do so, instead arrange Mass intentions for their loved ones and departed souls.
