It is with immense sadness that the family of Gertrude Eleanor Kalaska (nee Niewiadomy) announces her sudden, yet peaceful passing on December 5, 2024 at the age of 95. She left this world already missed by many, but to be reunited with her husband Mieczyslaw (better known as Mietek or Mike).
Born in Fort William on April 1, 1929, Gertie was the youngest child of Frank and Francis Niewiadomy. She had two older brothers, Stanley and Arnold. Her parents were both born in Poland, with each of their families immigrating to Canada. After initially settling in Saskatchewan, her parents married and moved to Fort William, Ontario to start their life together.
As a child, Gertie’s family lived on Prince Arthur Blvd, and later in a home they owned on Robertson St. She attended Drew Street School, and then Collegiate High (later renamed as Fort William Collegiate). Although she was young, Gertie chose to pursue her passion for music and dance. She was just 13 years of age when this started, but this passion evolved as she joined The Maurice Jackson All Girls Band. After she joined, she made the decision to travel with The All Girls Band as they toured across Canada and into the United States during and after WWll. She travelled with them for seven years and loved to share stories of who she met along the way, including the great Duke Ellington. Gertie played many instruments including the trombone and saxophone, and she eventually became the band’s vocalist. She would often reminisce about her time with the band, and had many wonderful stories to share.
While home in Fort William between tours in 1947, Gertie attended a dance at the Polish Hall on Spring Street. There was a group of Polish Veterans who had recently immigrated to Canada in attendance at the dance as well. Serendipity prevailed, and Gertie met her future husband, Mieczyslaw Kalaska at that dance.
Gertie and Mietek (as she always called him) were married in 1949, and had four children, John, Stanley, Richard and Mary. Times were tough raising a young family during the 50’s and 60’s, but they worked very hard to create a home that was safe, comfortable and secure for all of them. This continued as their children’s families expanded and grandchildren would constantly gather in this same home.
Gertie worked outside the home on a part-time basis, as her children grew, and continued doing so until retiring at 60 years of age. She enjoyed her various jobs, which began as a banquet hostess at both the Holiday Inn Hotel and The Royal Edward Hotel. However, her favourite position was working for the Van Elburg family at the Holland Bakery. It must be said that, as a family, we all enjoyed that job as we reaped the benefits of her bringing home the delicious treats of cookies, doughnuts, cinnamon twists and amazing bread!
Gertie was a very active community member throughout her life. She was a long-time member of the Ladie’s Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 149. She also maintained her love of music by joining the Polish Millenium Choir, which was established in 1969. Her wonderful people skills led her to become a volunteer at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in her 70’s. She enjoyed each of her community activities and all the acquaintances and good friends she made in these community groups.
Anyone who had the pleasure of having Gertie in their life, whether that be as a family member, a friend, coworker or even our own childhood friends, knew her as a sweet, kind woman who had a welcoming smile and a great conversation. She enjoyed socializing and being there with an ear or a hug for all.
Gertie was very creative. She loved to cook, bake, knit, crochet, sew, garden, and craft. We were blessed with the receipt of many of her creations over the years that we will forever cherish.
Her love of travel continued throughout her life. There were notable trips to Italy and Poland. She also loved the opportunities to travel to Minneapolis to watch her favourite baseball team, the Blue Jays.
Of all of Gertie’s gifts, her love for and caring devotion to her family was the greatest of all. She was always supportive, kind and generous of her time with her children. She was a magnificent grandmother and great-grandmother, who was so very proud of her family. She was our cheerleader no matter what any of us was doing. She devoted her time to her two grandchildren living in Thunder Bay, attending school activities, figure skating performances, hockey and baseball games, and would travel as much as she could to see her grandchildren in Newmarket and Pointe Claire to do the same. Her two weeks every summer, when the whole far-flung family gathered together in Thunder Bay, was the highlight of her year. She was so very proud of her grandchildren and who they became as adults. Gertie’s love for her great-granddaughter could be seen on her face and in her eyes. She gave Gertie a new purpose again, and allowed her another opportunity to attend school activities and dance recitals. We were all blessed to have such a loving matriarch of our family. She will be missed.
Gertie was a woman of faith. She was active as a Catholic Church member, attending St. Casimir’s Church as a young child until right up into her later years.
Gertie was predeceased by her parents, her two brothers and sisters-in-laws, her son Stanley in 2008, and her husband Mietek in 2021, as well as many other family members and good friends, all of whom she missed greatly.
She is survived by her sons, John and wife Connie, Rick and wife Wendy, her daughter Mary and husband Marvin, her grandchildren, Erin (Mark), Kyle, Colin, Kiara (Kai), Adriana, and Chad, and her great-granddaughter, Hannah. She is also survived by nieces and nephews on both the Niewiadomy and Kalaska sides, in Canada and in Poland.
Gertie lived with dementia in her later years, and we were blessed to have great people to support her and our family. We thank the staff of Bayshore, including Nancy, Bettina and Deseree. You put a smile on her face with your visits and provided wonderful goodbye hugs which she loved. To our in-home Wesway respite workers, Susan and Cathy, we cannot thank you enough for your weekly visits. She truly enjoyed your company and we were blessed as a family for that support, and the kindness and grace you gave to our mom. And to the Wesway respite home staff, you made her “vacations” a beautiful experience. She had a family away from home, and we are grateful for the compassion each person brought to her care.
Thank you to Dr. St Jacques, and Dr. de Bakker for your knowledge, caring, and support over the years. We appreciate all you have done for Gertie. We would also like to thank the EMS, and firefighters that came to our house on her last day. You were so kind, and efficient in your care. To Dr. Sarrazin, Dr. Melton and nurse Abby of the ER department of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, we thank you for making that day so calm, peaceful and comfortable for our mom.
Funeral services will be held at St. Casimir’s Church on Friday, January 17, at 11:00 AM.
On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com
