Obituary for Annie Kozub
KOZUB, Hania "Annie" - One of the most angelic women to ever walk the Earth, passed away peacefully at Innisfree House, surrounded both by family and all of her family's love on Thursday, January 16th, 2020, in her 96th year. Beloved wife and best friend to Jerry for over 64 years before he predeceased her on December 15th, 2012. Dearly loved mother of Zbysiu "Harry" (who predeceased her on December 22nd, 2007) and Basia "Barbie" (Bogdan) Niemiec. Cherished Baba of Jeremy Kozub, Richard (Michelle) Kozub, Katie (James) Niemiec-Moore, and Stephanie Niemiec. Adored Great-Baba of Elissa Kozub and Ethan Niemiec. Lovingly remembered by Jason Hodder. Fondly remembered by Cassandra and Jessica Moore.
Annie was born in Ostrow, Poland on August 8th, 1924 to Michael and Anna Wawrusczak, the youngest of four. She married the love of her life, Jerzy, "Jerry", on June 12th, 1948 in Austria. Shortly thereafter, Jerry came to Canada to establish a new life for them and did so in Woodstock, Ontario. Annie joined a little while later in 1949, where they both remained for their life together. A few years later their love multiplied when they welcomed their pride and joys Zbysiu in 1952, and Basia in 1955. Their hearts would be blessed several times more upon the births of their grandchildren - twins Jeremy "Jeremiah" and Richard "Richu" in 1974, and sisters Katie "Kiki" in 1981 and Stephanie "Stefchu" in 1983. Then, just when they thought their life could not be more blessed, came the arrival of their great-grandchildren - Elissa in 1999 and Ethan in 2000.
There is no one who worked and loved harder in life than Annie. She was a devoted Roman Catholic and a well-known presence in the community. Her main employment was being a valued employee of Firestone Textiles for 38 years, however, her most important role was that of a labour of love being Mom, Baba and Great-Baba. She always put family first and that was of utmost importance to her. She lived for a house full of love and laughter. 95 years is a long time to live and she enjoyed so many things in that time. She loved to garden and keep her property immaculate alongside Jerry and was rewarded with "One of the most Beautiful Properties in Woodstock" award. She was the BEST cook ever and always had her home stocked with pounds of butter, potatoes, and flour! No one in the family ever went hungry and were constantly spoiled with her Polish dishes and yummy treats - just ask our waistlines! Annie enjoyed going fishing at the Pittock Dam with Jerry, sitting in her spot watching game shows - especially Alex Trebek and his daily doubles, and watching her beloved Toronto Blue Jays. One of Annie's most favourite past times was playing cards with her family, especially tysiac. Her belly laugh when she took your money was infectious. In the last five years of her life, she was blessed to live with her daughter and son-in-law and their dog Lucie, who became Baba's faithful companion, and certainly lived life to the fullest!
Anyone who was ever in Annie's presence knew she was a special woman. She was the most loving, kindest, selfless, and sweetest soul you would ever meet and captured everyone's heart she met. There will truly never be another like her. "We love you, more, more, more!".
Annie's family will receive relatives and friends at the SMITH-LEROY FUNERAL HOME, 69 Wellington Street North, Woodstock (519 537-3611) on Sunday, January 19th from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Cross Polish Catholic Church, 169 Ingersoll Road, Woodstock on Monday, January 20th, at 11:00 am. Interment will be at the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, for immediate family, in the spring. Relatives and friends are invited back for a small reception after Mass, with details provided at the Mass. Memorial donations to Innisfree House or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. On-line condolences may be sent at www.smithleroy.com
Annie was born in Ostrow, Poland on August 8th, 1924 to Michael and Anna Wawrusczak, the youngest of four. She married the love of her life, Jerzy, "Jerry", on June 12th, 1948 in Austria. Shortly thereafter, Jerry came to Canada to establish a new life for them and did so in Woodstock, Ontario. Annie joined a little while later in 1949, where they both remained for their life together. A few years later their love multiplied when they welcomed their pride and joys Zbysiu in 1952, and Basia in 1955. Their hearts would be blessed several times more upon the births of their grandchildren - twins Jeremy "Jeremiah" and Richard "Richu" in 1974, and sisters Katie "Kiki" in 1981 and Stephanie "Stefchu" in 1983. Then, just when they thought their life could not be more blessed, came the arrival of their great-grandchildren - Elissa in 1999 and Ethan in 2000.
There is no one who worked and loved harder in life than Annie. She was a devoted Roman Catholic and a well-known presence in the community. Her main employment was being a valued employee of Firestone Textiles for 38 years, however, her most important role was that of a labour of love being Mom, Baba and Great-Baba. She always put family first and that was of utmost importance to her. She lived for a house full of love and laughter. 95 years is a long time to live and she enjoyed so many things in that time. She loved to garden and keep her property immaculate alongside Jerry and was rewarded with "One of the most Beautiful Properties in Woodstock" award. She was the BEST cook ever and always had her home stocked with pounds of butter, potatoes, and flour! No one in the family ever went hungry and were constantly spoiled with her Polish dishes and yummy treats - just ask our waistlines! Annie enjoyed going fishing at the Pittock Dam with Jerry, sitting in her spot watching game shows - especially Alex Trebek and his daily doubles, and watching her beloved Toronto Blue Jays. One of Annie's most favourite past times was playing cards with her family, especially tysiac. Her belly laugh when she took your money was infectious. In the last five years of her life, she was blessed to live with her daughter and son-in-law and their dog Lucie, who became Baba's faithful companion, and certainly lived life to the fullest!
Anyone who was ever in Annie's presence knew she was a special woman. She was the most loving, kindest, selfless, and sweetest soul you would ever meet and captured everyone's heart she met. There will truly never be another like her. "We love you, more, more, more!".
Annie's family will receive relatives and friends at the SMITH-LEROY FUNERAL HOME, 69 Wellington Street North, Woodstock (519 537-3611) on Sunday, January 19th from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Cross Polish Catholic Church, 169 Ingersoll Road, Woodstock on Monday, January 20th, at 11:00 am. Interment will be at the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, for immediate family, in the spring. Relatives and friends are invited back for a small reception after Mass, with details provided at the Mass. Memorial donations to Innisfree House or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. On-line condolences may be sent at www.smithleroy.com