PIKULSKI, Veronika 1921 – 2014

Veronika Pikulski was born in Poland on April 23, 1921 and passed away January 1, 2014 at Vulcan Extendicare in Alberta at age 92.
She is survived by her son Rick Pikulski and his spouse Dorothy Melenka of Mossleigh, Alberta, and the little grey cat she loved, Gitchy Mooky.  She is also fondly remembered by her sister-in-law Sophia Pikulski, nieces Rosemary (Steve) Gladu, and Monica (Andreas) Splett, and their children Daniel, Benjamin, Olivia and Jacob, all of Ottawa, and numerous relatives in Poland and Brazil.
She was predeceased by her first son Edward (Eddie), her beloved husband Antoni, parents Franciszek and Maryjanna Witkowski, sisters Regina and Franciszka, and brothers Wladyslaw, Feliks, and Edward and brother-in-law Stefan Pikulski.
Though experiencing losses, she and her family suffered and survived the ravages of war and displacement, leaving Europe in 1947 and sailing to Brazil along with 3 of her brothers-in-law, whose families remain there to this day.   Veronika and Antoni elected to live in a small jungle village of 50 people for the next 5 years along with young Eddie.   In 1952 they were sponsored by friends in Ottawa and immigrated to Canada.
Veronika was passionate about her craft and was a highly skilled and sought out seamstress and dressmaker, having both worked in fashionable salons like Florence of Ottawa, as well as having private clientele.   She was a perfectionist, and always dressed and carried herself elegantly.
A devoted wife and mother, she took pride in her home and her other passions, gardening, growing beautiful flowers, and good Polish home cooking.    Proud of her heritage, her sometimes stubborn nature can be credited with getting her through the many hardships and losses she endured in her lifetime.
Veronika moved to Mosseigh, Alberta in November 2011 to be close to her son Ricky.   Her final years were blessed with wonderful neighbours who looked after her like family, and the caregivers at Vulcan Extendicare whose compassion and caring are beyond words, and for which we are ever grateful.
Veronika will be returning to Ottawa for memorial service at her parish, St. Hyacinth’s Polish Catholic Church, and will be laid to rest next to her son and husband at Notre-Dame Cemetery.
Family and friends are invited to meet at Whelan Funeral Home (515 Cooper Street, Ottawa, ON), Wednesday January 22, 2014,  2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m, with Prayers starting at 8 pm.
Funeral Mass Thursday, January 23rd, 2014 at 11:00 am at St. Hyacinth Polish Parish 201 Lebreton St.North, Ottawa, ON with Fr. Janusz Jajesniak celebrant. Interment to follow at Notre-Dame Cemetery.
Tributes in Veronika’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Ave. W, 16 Floor, Toronto, ON M4R 1K8.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home.  Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.