Jadwiga Zawada

In loving memory of Jadwiga Zawada born 10th March 1935 in Poland. A much loved wife, sister, mum, Babcia and friend.

Jadwiga grew up with her sisters and half brother Marian, Janine and Marianna. She looked after Janine and they enjoyed playing together, making dolls out of potatoes and dressing them up. Sadly they were separated for 20 years. Jadwiga and Janine reunited in 1963 when she went to England for a holiday eventually staying there after meeting and marrying much loved husband Stefan. She loved and cherished Stefan dearly for 45 years of marriage. Together they had 5 loving children Robert, Mary, Mark, George and Richard. Sadly Stefan died in 1985 leaving her to raise the children. She tried very hard to do the best she could for her family even though she struggled personally after the death of her husband.

A year after her husband died her mother; Bronislava went back to Poland leaving her with the 5 children to cope the best she could. Shortly after her mother going, her only daughter Mary went to live in Brighton to study art. She knew this was the beginning of her children growing up and leaving the nest. Shortly after Mary leaving, her eldest son Robert left home and using the skills his father taught him, he proudly followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a plasterer. The three youngest, then trained to become qualified gas engineers.

When Mark, George and Richard left she decided to sell her bungalow and move to a flat in Allestree of which she absolutely loved and in which she felt safe.

Jadwiga also became the proud Babcia of Richard’s daughter Kylie in 1995. She was a fantastic Babcia to Kylie loving her, teaching her sewing, knitting, collecting her from school looking after her when she was poorly. She loved being around her and was always smiling and telling people how proud she was of her granddaughter.

She enjoyed her own independence, using local facilities, taking the bus into town, meeting friends, and most important of all, not missing church on a Sunday. She was very religious, and believed strongly in her catholic faith, which gave her strength throughout her life.

Jadwiga loved visiting her home country; Poland visiting family friends and reminiscing of her past. She was a brave woman who lived through the Second World War to find sanctuary in England with husband Stefan.

In later years she loved to visit her daughter Mary in New York. Seeing the sites and even visiting ground zero. She loved to travel even in her late sixties.

Jadwiga had two major operations including a heart valve replacement and knee replacement. Nothing phased her. She was so brave. Sadly this year she contracted an infection in her heart valve from which she did not recover, until sadly she passed away, surrounded by her loving family to be reunited with much loved husband Stefan.


Babcia

Thank you for the special times that we spent together, I wish now that I had spent more time with you, I will miss you and the special meals you made for me. I love you dearly and you will always have a very special place in my heart. Thank you for the things you have taught me. I will never forget you, Goodbye and say hello to Grandad for me.



Mama

Where do we start? The biggest heart from her humble childhood in Poland. She would always give you her last penny if you needed it, her generosity was limitless and she favored nobody. Her door was always open to any of our friends or when they needed a place to stay. Mum always tried to keep us all out of trouble even though it was such hard work. She was everything to all of us and we all loved her deeply. She was the most caring, loving, understanding mum you could ever wish to meet and she has gone finally to reunite with our father and be at peace. We will think of our parents every day that passes by us and will miss them both very much.

God bless you may you both rest in peace and be happily reunited.