Obituary of Jozefa Parafianowicz

PARAFIANOWICZ , JOZEFA (Joy) It is with great sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Jozefa at Hospice Niagara on Wednesday, April 8, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer. Our sadness lies in the loss of a loving mother, babcia and friend. Jozefa died as she lived; with grace, courage and dignity. A woman of great faith, Jozefa retained her integrity, sense of humour and positive attitude until the end. Jozefa was predeceased by her beloved husband Adam in 2000. Babcia's love, gentle caring nature, dedication to family and friends, cooking, baking and knitting will always be treasured by her sons John (Dorota) and Steve (Kim) and her beloved grandchildren, Lucas (fianc�©e Tricia) and Lydia. She is also survived by family in England and Poland. Babcia's passing has created a void that nothing will ever fill. We will be forever grateful for the sacrifices that Jozefa and Adam made as Polish immigrants (1953) to give their children a better life in this country of freedom. Her amazing spirit will live on with her family and close friends. Jozefa was a dedicated and active parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, Polish Legion Branch 418. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the physicians involved, CCAC, Red Cross, Para-Med (especially nurse Dorsey Maney), and in particular, Dr. Wayne Gruber for his gentle nature and care. Words cannot express our gratitude to Dr. Brian Kerley and all of the staff at Hospice Niagara for their professionalism, dedication, endless compassion and loving support of our mother and family over the past three and a half weeks. You each touched us in a special way. You made a difficult journey beautiful. God bless you all. Mrs. Parafianowicz is resting at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton St., until Saturday at 9:30 am. Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 10:00 am. Rite of Committal will take place at Victoria Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday, April 17, from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm with Vigil prayers at 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations to Hospice Niagara.