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JANINA WANDA SWIETLIK
Born: Jun 24, 1928
Date of Passing: Jul 21, 2016
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJANINA WANDA SWIETLIK 1928 - 2016 Jan passed away on July 21, 2016. She was peaceful and ready. Jan was born in Rzeszow, Poland, June 24, 1928. She was predeceased by loving parents Tomasz (63) and Teofila (53) and three brothers Franciszek (51), Marian (62) and Andrzej (9). At the age of 14 both of Jan's parents had died. At that point, the motivating force of her life was to survive the German and Russian occupation of Poland (1939 and 1944). She credited a large tribute to her brother, Frank, who facilitated their dramatic escape from Poland to freedom (1946). Frank's daughters, Barbara and Renee, were caring and loving nieces. Arriving in England (1946), Jan pursued education receiving a teaching certificate. With her lifelong passion to teach reading and writing, she came to Canada in 1960 where she acquired her undergraduate degree (McGill, 1965). She taught primary school children in various locations across Canada (1960 - 1966) and then moved to the Arctic where she taught in Iqaluit (1966 - 1969), Pond Inlet (1969 - 1972) and Rankin Inlet (1973 - 1988). Her lifelong mission had been fulfilled: I always knew I wanted to be a teacher; to give children the gift of reading and the love of books. Heartfelt kujannami (thank you) goes to the Inuit who, for 22 years, accepted her as their own and remained loyal for the past 50 years. Retirement to Winnipeg (1988) offered numerous volunteer opportunities. (St. Amant Centre, Villa Rosa, schools, senior centres). For many years her condo (55 Nassau) housed her beloved desk, library and vast photo collection. 64 Nassau provided nourishing meals, good company / conversation and joyful events, bursting with energy and laughter. Jan was very thankful for her numerous friends throughout Canada and the world. Children, books and travels fulfilled her long and colourful life. "Pucci", her Arctic dog of l7 years, had been a constant, faithful friend. Sincere thanks to staff at St. Boniface Hospital for their care, especially Ward 7A West. In keeping with Jan's wishes, cremation has taken place. Interment of ashes will follow in Pond Inlet, Nunavut. There is a land of the living and a land of the dead, and the bridge is LOVE, the only survival, the only meaning. Thornton Wilder CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-586-8044
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 30, 2016
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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I met Jan many years ago when she was on one of her journeys around the world. Our friendship lasted for a very long time. We used to exchange letters and phone calls. Words cannot describe how wonderful a person she was and still is in my heart. It is because of her that I fell in love with Canada and Northwest Territories, however never had a chance to see it. I have hundreds of her photographs, which she shared with me during the years, her letters unfortunately are gone... lost somewhere when I was moving from country to country. I never had a chance to say a proper good bye to her... however Jan you are here in my heart and always will be. I hope we will meet again some time in the different world. - Posted by: David (Friend) on: Jun 23, 2017
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I first met Janina in England where she was a student in a Teacher's college. She got in touch with me and my husband when she came to study in McGill in Montreal. Over the years I came to know Janina as the most selfless and generous person, totally dedicated to her students and friends. She only permitted herself the bare necessities of life, sharing her money with others in need of assistance. She loved the Far North and the Inuit people. Many of her grown kindergarten students continued to visit her in Winnipeg after her retirement. She had an extraordinary memory and loved telling stories about all her friends. A professional photographer, she left thousands of prize-winning photographs of Pont Inlet and the Inuit people. Her passing is a great loss to us all. - Posted by: Maria Wisniowska (Friend) on: Aug 13, 2016
