It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Casimire (Kazia) on Sunday, April 7, 2024 at the age of 94.

Beloved wife of the late Roman (2022) for 67 years. Loving mother of Diane (Greg Willett), and John. Devoted Babci of Andrew, Peter (Megan Walter), and Stephen (Alexandra Illing). Pra-Babci to Emery and Rowen Willett. She was predeceased by her son, Raymond Bladek, and her parents, Jan Rup and Anna Krol.

Casimire will be greatly missed by her sister, Elona Kurosad (Ted); nephew, Jim Kurosad and family; and Peter Gregory (late niece, Theresa) and family, in the USA. She will also be remembered fondly by her brother-in-law, Zenon Bladek (Hania) and family in Poland.

Casimire was born in Arvida, Quebec. She graduated from Saint Michael’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1950 and subsequently worked in various hospitals in Toronto and California. In 1968, she obtained a Diploma of Public Health Nursing from the University of Toronto and worked for the Etobicoke Public Health Department, primarily with high school students.

A dedicated volunteer, Casimire was involved in various organizations including the Marie Curie Sklodowska Association, Copernicus Lodge – Senior Citizens’ Home, Founding Committee for Chair of Polish History Studies at University of Toronto, the Toronto Western Hospital Auxiliary, and the Canadian Red Cross, to name a few. She held positions of Founder, Board of Directors, President, and Co-Chairman for these organizations and more.

For her many contributions she received a number of awards including the Gold Service Medal from the Canadian Polish Congress, The Commemorative Medal for The 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada and more recently the Ontario Volunteer Services Award for her 60 years of volunteer services with the Marie Curie Sklodowska Association.

Casimire was an enthusiastic supporter of the arts: ballet, opera, symphony, and theatre. She enjoyed travelling and taking many cruises with Roman. Through many decades, her favourite place was the family cottage on Georgian Bay where she thoroughly enjoyed hosting family and friends.

Casimire will be remembered for her warmth, positive attitude, classic style, leadership, sense of humour and quick wit. She was a wonderful organizer, communicator, fund raiser and a role model for others. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St West, Toronto. Family and friends are also welcome to attend a funeral service in the Chapel at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Copernicus Lodge, or a charity of your choice, would be appreciated by the family.