In Celebration of

Maria Danielak

February 24, 1927 -  October 12, 2021

Passed away in Victoria, British Columbia, on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at the age of 94. Predeceased by her loving husband Nicholas. Loving mother of Alexandra (Tom), Nick (Christine), and Cathy (Jamie). Much loved grandmother of Patrick, Krista, Davey (Phoebe) Michael, and Katrina (Taylor). Great Grandmother of Sanka, Gaius, Owena and Noah. A private family service will be held on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 11 am. Please click below to watch the live stream of the service.

Interment to follow at Springcreek Cemetery, Mississauga.

A TRIBUTE TO MARIA: FROM ALEXANDRA

Our mom was a caring, dynamic, hard-working woman, always moving forward with conviction, strength, and purpose. Her disposition was one of happiness to "do" and joy in a job well done. She prided herself on raising educated children, sending us to school and higher education, because she never had the chance to do so herself. She immigrated to Canada at the end of the war and became a nanny to two small children. They tried to teach her English from their Grade 1 readers, and mom picked up a bit to get by. With a little more exposure to the Canadian way of life, she picked up more English and even went to hairdressing school. When she met and married dad, they opened up a hairstylist business, again demonstrating a strong can-do attitude that if you work hard, you can establish yourself quite well in Canada. Working triple hard with husband, children, and a business to run, she was a dynamo. As an adult, she still astounds me at the energy she had, always going on with a smile on her face. Recently at the nursing home, I reminded her of how busy her life was, especially also when she helped me with my 3 little ones. She said she didn't think of it as a chore, she just got on with it and did it, and truly enjoyed it. I take some pride in myself for carrying on as she did - busy with a husband, home, and full-time work, but the children always came first. She will always have a cherished spot in my heart. I love her dearly and am glad for the fine care she was given by myself and Tom when dad died 4 years ago, and then by Cathy and Jamie who settled her into Victoria nicely and where she thrived in their good company. For that, I will always be grateful and thankful for our close family ties. One final point. Mom always reminded everyone that you must treat all people with kindness if you wish to be treated with respect and kindness in turn.

I love you mom,

Alexandra

Guestbook 

(5 of 14)

Nick Danielak (son)

Entered October 17, 2021

Sometime back (before Covid), I attended to a friend's Mother's Funeral where I was quite taken by her epitaph. The deceased was also a 1st generation immigrant from Europe, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother, a true matriarch of her large, extended family. I felt great solace in her words that I suppose she, and now Mom, would utter to us all.
God bless you Mom. Rest in Peace now.

Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow,
But remember me in every tomorrow.
Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles,
I've only gone to rest a little while.
Although my leaving causes pain and grief,
My going has eased my hurt and given me relief.
So dry your eyes and remember me,
Not as I am now, but as I used to be.
Because, I will remember you all
And look on with a smile.
Understand, in your hearts, I've only gone to rest a little while.
As long as I have the love of each of you,
I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.

Claire Kaukinen (Jamie Kaukinen’s mother ..thus Cathy’s mother in law)

Entered October 17, 2021 from Shuniah

The picture of Mary is perfect …Mary was yellow sunshine. I remember her infectious smile and the twinkle in her eyes. It was pleasure to spend time in her company. Despite many challenges over her 90 plus years, she enjoyed a life well lived. I am proud of Cathy and Jamie for helping her enjoy life in Victoria.
With great affection,
CLAIRE Kaukinen

Katrina (Granddaughter)

Entered October 17, 2021

Baba, I will always love you!! You were an amazing woman and role model for me. I’m thankful for all the time I spent with you while growing up, because you’ve helped shape me into who I am today! You’ve inspired me to have a simple, humble life and I look forward to hosting big family dinners just like you always did for us!

I have so many memories.

My number one memory is how selfless you always were! I could show up at your house unannounced for a visit, and I’d leave with a car full of fresh picked veggies from your garden, and a box full of (the BEST) homemade applesauce. Or when Michael and I cut your grass, I always looked forward to seeing you waving us down to come in for a snack break – soup, orange juice, and bread & honey. Anytime I wanted to phone you, I had to ensure the Oprah show or Dr. Phil show wasn’t on TV at that time because I knew you wouldn’t want to be interrupted from your favourite shows! Lastly, I’ll never forget your thumbs…..those cut-up, brown-stained thumbs which peeled thousands of beets, potatoes and apples and carefully prepared delicious meals for our regular family dinners. I knew I’d officially become successful in the kitchen when you gave me your approval of my own version of borscht…I had the best teacher in the kitchen and that’s priceless to me! Thank you Baba for all the memories, life lessons, recipes and stories that I’ll never forget!!! XOXOXO Say Hi to Dido for me!!! :)

Christine Danielak (Daugther-in-law)

Entered October 17, 2021 from Mississauga

As a daughter in law, I was welcomed into the family very warmly by "Baba" Danielak. She was a selfless woman with a heart of gold! I am so grateful that Nick and I lived close by so we could visit often and help whenever needed. Baba always made time to just sit and chat at the table when I came over. She enjoyed company. She would tell me stories of her harrowing life in Ukraine sleeping in the fields to hide from the military and of her "escape" to find freedom. One of her favorite stories that she would tell over and over was, when she arrived in Canada she was assigned to be a nanny for a little girl in King City. That girl taught Baba to read. She would tell me that she would read the words while pointing to the little girl..."you and me.. we are peep-le" and the little girl replied, "no no no... we are people!" and then Baba would laugh. She never seemed to tire of that story!
Baba took much pride in her garden. Her garden was her life. She tended to that garden tirelessly and it showed in the bountiful harvest. Every staple of vegetable was in that garden and the meals prepared with them were outstanding! She enjoyed telling me the "secrets" of her meals and I have compiled quite a few recipes over the years which I have passed down to my daughter Katrina.
In our early years of dating, Nick and I returned after a day of skiing and there was the most incredible aroma of meat simmering on the stove. Lifting the lid I poked a fork into the most tender meat ever! It was delicious! After a few more small bites Baba came into the kitchen. I raved about her "stew!" I dropped my fork when she told me it was beef TONGUE! She buckled in half laughing as I ran to the washroom to find the Listerine! Baba you're the best!
We will miss you terribly but we know you are in the arms of our Father and one day we will all be together. May the Lord shine His face upon you always.
Vichnaya Pamyat
Lovingly, Christine

Katie Kaukinen (Sister-in-Law to Mary's Daughter)

Entered October 18, 2021 from Winter Park, Florida

Cathy,

I feel so lucky to have gotten to know your mom. She was such a special lady. When I lived in Toronto she was so welcoming. I will never forget the weekend I went to the farm and she taught me how to can red peppers. We had the most wonderful day. I was also lucky that she was such a generous hostess.

I also will remember her encouraging words as I was applying for jobs. When I came to Phoenix to interview me she had forgotten who I was but she was welcoming regardless. When I left she told me she loved me and wished that I would receive all that I wanted.

Much hugs and prayers, Katie

Photos 

(5 of 18)

Help Extend the Memorial
Order a Keepsake Book

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Report an Issue