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Obituary of Mary Stella Wolanski
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It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Mary Stella Wolanski. Mary passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Sunday January 12, 2025.
Mary is now reunited with her parents Frank and Irene Wolanski and her sister Jozefa Wolanski.
Mary will be remembered as a wonderful sister to brothers Frank, his wife Judy, Walter, Tad, his wife Eugenia, and sister Joanne Brackett and her husband Scott. She was a special Ciocia (aunt) to 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; Alicja Wolanski; Matthew Brackett (Katy) and Christopher Brackett. In addition to her parents and sister, Mary was also predeceased by her niece Paulina (Paula) Wolanski and her great nephew Atticus Charlton.
Mary was born on November 1, 1947 in Germany, immigrated to Canada in 1950 and grew up in Chatham where she lived most of her life. After graduating from UCC The Pines, she attended Teachers College in Windsor and later earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Windsor while teaching full time. Mary began her teaching career at age 19 at St. Vincent School. Except for one year teaching in Guelph, her more than thirty years were spent teaching at various schools in Chatham. It was not unusual for us to meet former students over the years who would say “Miss Wolanski was my favourite teacher!”
Mary loved teaching and her students dearly and over the years would share her fondest memories.
Mary loved to travel. Whether it was road trips with her girlfriends or trips abroad, she always loved exploring new places.
Mary loved meeting new people and was always interested in learning their story. She cherished and nurtured her relationships leading to lifelong friendships. A very heartfelt thanks goes to her very special friend Mary Ann Larson, who she has known since first grade, whose love, kindness and generosity was shown in abundance especially over the past several years.
Mary loved dancing, and took every opportunity to get out on the dance floor. She loved beautiful things and took great pride in herself and her home. Over the years Mary explored creative interests and her home was filled with needle point canvases and quilts that she created.
Mary was an active member of Our Lady of Victory Church, The Ladies Altar Society and member of the Polish Canadian Club.
Mary’s faith and relationship with God was an integral part of her life and it was this faith that allowed her to face her multiple cancer diagnoses with strength and grace. During her most recent journey with cancer, Mary’s positive outlook and perseverance was an inspiration to those who witnessed it.
Mary lived a full and vibrant life and touched so many lives. Our hearts are breaking as Mary will be missed immensely, but we gain comfort in knowing that she is now free from pain and struggle and hopefully dancing!
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the care Mary received. Especially Dr.‘s Welch and Southcott from the London Health Sciences Cancer Centre, Dr. Wheeler and the nurses at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance Oncology Unit and her nurse Mary Beth Cadotte. Thank you all for your kindness and support that you offered both Mary and her family.
As per Mary’s wishes, Friends and relatives may visit at Our Lady of Victory Church on Wednesday January 15, 2024 from 10 am until 11 am. A Funeral Mass will then be celebrated in the church at 11 am. Cremation will follow the mass and burial of ashes will take place in the Spring with her parents.
Donations to the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre (formerly London Regional Cancer Program) would be appreciated.
1947 2025
Death notice for the town of: Chatham, Province: Ontario
death notice Mary
Stella
Wolanski 1947 2025
obituaries notice Mary
Stella
Wolanski 1947 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mary
Stella
Wolanski 1947 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
