IRENE TERESA URBANIAK (née Sztuka)

Unexpectedly, on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, just two short months after the passing of her beloved husband of 48 years, Joseph Urbaniak. Loving mother of Tom (late Alison Etter), Julia, Camilla, and Emily. Proud “babcia” (grandmother) of Oliver.

Irene joins in heaven her husband, Joseph, daughter-in-law Alison (who also passed away only two months ago), parents Wojciech and Janina Sztuka, and brothers Marian (Stan), Eugene, and Wiesław.

Irene was a graduate of the University of Toronto, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, and Master of Education degrees. She went on to devote 38 years as a high school, special education and adult education teacher with the Toronto Catholic District School Board. She was a steadfast advocate for all persons with disabilities.

Irene was a very vibrant, energetic, and outgoing person. She connected well with people wherever she went. She was a tireless volunteer, fundraiser, and leader with many community-based organizations, including the Polish Scouting Association (for more than 40 years), the Canadian Polish Congress, the Polish National Union of Canada, and the Royal Canadian Legion, among many, many others.

A devout Catholic, Irene was an active member of St. Maximilian Kolbe Polish Catholic Parish. She served as a lector and children’s liturgy teacher for decades.

Friends and family remember Irene as someone who loved life, loved reaching out to others, loved dancing, loved adventures, and loved helping at all events within her community. She was always the last one to leave a party!

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter “Peel” Chapel, 2180 Hurontario St., (Hwy. 10, N of the QEW) on Tuesday, April 30, from 5 to 9 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 4260 Cawthra Rd., Mississauga, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 11 a.m.
Interment at Assumption Cemetery, followed by a reception at the John Paul II Polish Cultural Centre.

During this time of grief, the family is touched by, and grateful for, the continued support, kindness, and love of Irene’s extended family, friends, and colleagues.

Wieczny odpoczynek racz jej dać, Panie. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.