Alfreda Ilnicki

Obituary of Alfreda Ilnicki

ALFREDA ILNICKI

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Alfreda Ilnicki on Sunday, June 29, 2025, with her children by her side.

Alfreda was born on June 5, 1937, in Siedliszowice, Poland, to Josephine and Walter Stoklosa. Her family made great sacrifices to support her education, allowing her to excel in school and fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher in Poland.

In 1961, Alfreda bravely set out for Canada to begin a new chapter with her sister Helen (Walter) Piotrowski and her family in Kitchener.

In 1966, she married the love of her life, Michal (Mike) Ilnicki and settled in St. Catharines, where Alfreda worked at Canada Hair Cloth. Their son, Michael, was born in 1971, and Alfreda lovingly chose to devote herself fully to being a homemaker. Their daughter, Elizabeth (Lisa), completed their family in 1974.

The Ilnicki family built a cottage in Point Clark, where they spent countless summers creating lasting memories with family and friends.

Alfreda was a dedicated member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Parish for over 55 years and a Lifetime Member of the St. Catharines Canadian Polish Society. In 2003, she began volunteering at the Society’s Banquet Hall, preparing pierogi and other traditional Polish dishes for receptions and food sales alongside a wonderful group of friends. Later, Alfreda helped cater large banquets and events at the Hall, a role she cherished, finding joy and community in the work.

Alfreda remained deeply connected to family and friends in Poland. She followed news from Poland closely. Alfreda shared this pride with her children through Polish Church, folk dance, harcerstwo/scouting, and countless events at the CPS Hall.

Alfreda had an incredible work ethic. Her hands were always busy — cooking, baking, gardening, canning, knitting, sewing, quilting, doing yard work, or keeping her mind sharp with word searches. A passionate gardener, she loved to share the fruits of her labour with family, friends, and her beloved neighbours.

Alfreda shared a special bond with her son-in-law, Terry, often enlisting his help with the phrase she fondly adopted from her husband: “Terry, I have a job for you.”

Her grandchildren were her greatest joy. She loved them with all her heart, and their photos filled her living room, bedroom, and kitchen, keeping them close to her heart each and every day.

In her later years, Alfreda was able to remain in the home she loved thanks to the devoted care of her family. This allowed her to stay surrounded by familiar comforts and treasured memories, and her beloved cat, Kolega (“Friend”), her faithful companion for over a decade. She enjoyed cheering on the Niagara IceDogs during their televised games with her son Michael and enjoyed time chatting on the porch or beautiful backyard with family and friends in the neighbourhood she loved.

Alfreda was predeceased by her beloved parents, her devoted husband Mike (2013), her siblings Robert, Helen (Walter), and Dolek, sisters-in-law Michalina (2016), Hanusia and Marcella, brother-in-law Piotr (2024), as well as beloved family members in Canada, Michigan, Poland, and Ukraine.

She is survived by her loving sister Zdzisława and family in Poland, sister-in-law Janka and family, her children Michael and Elizabeth (Terry Stone), and her cherished grandchildren Raymond, Danika, and Lily. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews across Poland, Canada, and the United States, as well as her son-in-law’s family in Newfoundland.

Donations to the OLPH Building Fund or the Canadian Red Cross are graciously appreciated by the family.

Family and friends are invited to George Darte Funeral Home, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines, on Sunday, July 6, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m., with vigil prayers at 8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Rite of Committal to follow at Victoria Lawn Cemetery.

Every call or visit from Lily ended with these words : “Goodnight. Love you! Best Babcia ever! Dobranoc.”

Thank you Mama. Thank you Babcia. We love you. Spoczywaj z Bogiem.

Sunday
6
July

Visitation

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Sunday, July 6, 2025
George Darte Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
585 Carlton Street
St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
905-937-4444
Visitation
Sunday
6
July

Visitation

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Sunday, July 6, 2025
George Darte Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
585 Carlton Street
St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
905-937-4444
Visitation
Sunday
6
July

Vigil Prayers

8:00 pm
Sunday, July 6, 2025
George Darte Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
585 Carlton Street
St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
905-937-4444
Vigil Prayers
Monday
7
July

Funeral Liturgy for Alfreda

11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Monday, July 7, 2025
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church
5 Oblate St
St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
(905) 937-4230
Funeral Liturgy for Alfreda
Monday
7
July

Interment

12:30 pm - 1:00 pm
Monday, July 7, 2025
Victoria Lawn Cemetery
431 Queenston Street
St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
(905) 682-5311
Interment
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