Christina DALKIN
September 18, 1936 – January 1, 2019
Christina, cherished and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend to many, passed away on January 1, 2019 at the age of 82.
Christina was born on September 18, 1936 in Lwow, Poland; the youngest of three daughters born to Major Stanislaw Zwojszczyk and Halina (nee Zajac). Her young life was dramatically changed forever when in September 1939, Nazi Germany and Communist Soviet Union attacked Poland. Given that her father was a military officer, he was taken prisoner by the Soviets, and was later murdered at the Katyn Massacre. With her remaining family (her mother and two sisters), they were exiled to Siberia as prisoners, and escaped to Persia, residing in refugee camps. As was the case for many at that time, the horrors and brutal sufferings of the war devastated thousands of families; yet with determination, they managed to survive unthinkable tragedies.
Following the war’s end, they sought new lives in the United Kingdom. Christina met Stan in Manchester, England, while they were touring with a Polish Dancing ensemble. They married in 1954 and raised their three children there; later choosing to immigrate to Montreal, Canada. Their new home in La Belle Province brought some challenges, but mainly offered countless great experiences and adventures, the blessings of new life-long friends, and a myriad of fond memories. Regretfully in 1977, the uncertain political environment in Quebec forced the family to head west to Alberta. They made Calgary their final destination and home. The epic beauty and freshness of the mountains and the big-sky country welcomed them. Christina and Stan immensely enjoyed the local friendly people and the large Polish community in Calgary. Furthermore, together they formed numerous long-lasting friendships at the Polish Cultural Centre and the Polish church, Our Lady Queen of Peace, spending many joyful and satisfying active years there.
Christina and Stan were a formidable team for forty-five years of marriage. They had many passions and interests, but took particular pleasure in music and providing delightful Polish cooking and scrumptious baking delicacies for their family and visitors. Their proud Polish heritage was important to them and they honored this their entire lives. Family pets added lots of character and amusement to their home too. However, despite all this bliss, Christina did not lead an easy life, quite the contrary; her life was characterized with chronic health issues, trials and tribulations. For the most part, she coped as well as could be expected. Yet, the losses of Stan to cancer in 1999 and soon thereafter, the death of her son, John, in 2000 due to a heart attack, took a huge toll on her. The years that followed were difficult for Christina, with numerous extended hospitalizations and Diabetes further complicated her days. She became restricted in her mobility, yet fortunately, Hillcrest Extendicare was able to offer her a safe
Born: September 18, 1936 Death: January 1, 2019
haven. Although Christina is no longer with us on this earth, she will remain in our hearts lovingly and memories forever more.
Christina was predeceased by her parents; husband, Stanislaw; son, John, and eldest sister, Lillian Orton (England), nieces Tina and Suzanne.
She will be forever remembered by her son Richard and daughter Diane (John Percic). She was a loving Grandmother to Ashley Dalkin (Trae Hauser); she leaves behind extended family in Montreal – Deonizy and Monika Dalkin; nieces, Barbara, Teresa, and Irene (and their children); in Poland – elder sister, Wieslawa Modrakowska; niece Ania (and her children); in Britain – nephew, Stuart; and nieces, Yvonne, Carolyn, Annette, and Halinka (and their children); her daughter-in-law Shelley Cairns.
Thank-you to her caring friends at Hillcrest Extendicare who brought her happiness and brightened her latter years. Your genuine efforts were so welcomed and appreciated. She always enjoyed all the social activities too, courtesy of the Recreational Team. We would also like to offer heartfelt thanks to Dr. Patrick Lai and the entire staff at Hillcrest for taking care of our Mom. In her final days, she was blessed with support, kind-heartedness and excellent attention from all of you at Hillcrest, third floor team. The medical & Palliative teams at Foothills Hospital, Unit 81 were also angels of mercy and compassion. Thank-you for your respectful sympathies and warm professionalism.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady Queen of Peace Polish Catholic Church (2111 Uxbridge Drive N.W., Calgary, AB) on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Reception following at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made, in Christina’s honour, directly to Diabetes Canada, 220, 6223 – 2nd Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 1J5 Telephone: (403) 266-0620, ext. 1112, www.diabetes.ca. Or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Christina DALKIN 2019..
Décès pour la Ville: Calgary, Province: Alberta