1936 ~ ZOFIA “SOPHIE” DUMANOWSKI ~ 2020

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Zofia “Sophie” Dumanowski (nee Czerwiec) announce her passing surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, March 22, 2020 at the age of 83 years. Beloved wife of nearly 60 years to Czeslaw “Chester” Dumanowski, devoted mom to their eight children, and also loved as “Babcia” by her 27 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren: Bogusia (Wayne) Lust and their children Derek (Stacey), Andrew, and Joshua Lust; Regina (Dean) Durst and their children Nadine (Jonathon) Blackwell (children Neve and Margot), Sabrina (Rory) Garrecht (children Tatum and Daxton), Chelsey (Erik) Toews, Stephanie, and Abbey Durst; Denise Cole (Don Pisoni) and her children Matthew (Marina) Cole (children Makayla, Maverick and Marshal) and Eric Cole; Helena (Robert) Risling and their children Derrick, Amelia (Joel) Mackie (children Olivia and Owen), Isaac, and Isabella Risling; Anna (Richard) Kappel and their children Braden (Meagan), Christopher, and Daniel Kappel; Robert (Pamela) Dumanowski and their children Kamiel, Zofia, Avaya, and Roman Dumanowski; Mark (Jody) Dumanowski and their children Luke, Adam, Samuel, and Antonina Dumanowski; Bernadette (Jean-Paul) Cheret and their children Wayland, and Madison Cheret. Sophie was born to parents Jan and Antonina Czerwiec in Roza, Poland on July 7, 1936. She was one of nine children; deceased siblings include Maria Bator, Stanislaw Czerwiec, Anna Czerwiec, Genowefa Kusek, Jozef Czerwiec (died as newborn), Jozef Czerwiec, and Wladyslaw Czerwiec. Sophie is survived by her brother Franciszek Czerwiec of Debica, Poland. She was a young child when WWII broke out causing displacement and difficulty for her family as they fought to survive. Sophie lost her dad at age 12 and mom at age 17 which broke her heart for the rest of her life, longing for them. The family struggled to keep the farm going and she was left to raise her youngest brother Franciszek. Sophie met her love, Chester, and they were married on October 29, 1960. Their first two daughters were born in Poland. They had the opportunity to immigrate to Canada in 1964 (along with Chester’s mom Stefania) where their next six children were born. They originally lived in Oyen, Alberta before settling in Medicine Hat in 1972, where they made their home and where their extended family of four generations continue to live. Mom and Dad both worked very hard all their lives to take care of their family. Mom endured many health issues and pain for most of her adult life, but always offered it up in prayer. Although they lived very humbly, Mom always said that she was a multi-millionaire; she would tell people that her eight children were each worth more to her than a million dollars. Mom always believed that she was so blessed to have such a close relationship with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; she was extremely proud of each and every one of them. This was truly what brought joy and fulfillment to her day; spending time and making memories with her family. Mom’s life was very much centered around her faith and love for God. Mom and Dad raised their family in this same faith life of daily prayer and the Roman Catholic church; not missing weekly Mass for anything. Mom was also very proud of her Polish heritage; she was the best cook and baker, making countless dishes for all to enjoy. Mom had a very green thumb; she grew the most beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, and loved to dance; especially to a great polka. But most of all, Mom’s favourite thing to do was to sit down and just visit, share a meal, tell old Polish rhymes and poems, sing and joke around; she had the best sense of humour. Her beautiful smile and laugh will be forever cherished. Mom lived a long life full of many blessings but was ready to journey home to be with our Lord Jesus and family. God bless you Mama and Babcia with eternal rest. Kocham! Our family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to all of Mom’s loving caregivers; Becky, Chrystal, Jay, Lisa, and Aimee; all the nurses (especially Becky Painter-McKelvey) and physicians for their kindness and care. A very special thank you to Dr. Jeffrey Bratvold for the continuing care and compassion that he has shared with our family throughout the years. Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL. The Funeral will be celebrated at HOLY FAMILY PARISH with interment to follow in the Roman Catholic Section at Hillside Cemetery. Due to the Covid-19 Virus, the funeral service is by invitation only and is limited to a maximum of 50 people. A Memorial Mass for Sophie will be announced at a later date. Donations in Sophie’s memory may be made to Holy Family Parish Building Fund, 1451 Strachan Road SE, Medicine Hat, T1B 4V3 or Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, 200, 119 – 14th Street NW, Calgary, AB T1A 7L5. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Sophie Dumanowski. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to

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