It is with heavy but full hearts we announce the passing of Władysława Stefania Panek on November 16th 2025 surrounded by her family at the age of 92. She is survived by her son Joseph (Kim) Panek and daughter Joanna Panek; as well as her four grandchildren Diana (Marco) Razzolini, Daniel Aucoin, Zack Panek & Zoe Panek; great-granddaughter Lily Razzolini; and her sister Maria Argasinski, who lives in Poland at the age of 94. She will be treasured always and dearly remembered for her strong will, sharp wit, perseverance and charismatic energy.

Born to parents Katarzyna & Tadeusz Szyngiera on October 17th, 1933 in Jarosław, Poland, she grew up alongside siblings Antek, Maria & Krystina during turbulent and difficult times in Eastern Europe. Despite those years being marked by struggle, they were also filled with resilience and determination, as well as lessons of resourcefulness and quick-thinking that would stay with her forever and shape the person she would become.

In 1959, she made the life-changing decision to leave Poland and start a new life in Canada, a bold choice despite her parent's wishes, a choice that was not easy but felt necessary with dreams of a better future. Like many immigrants, she arrived in Canada with almost nothing, but she carried with her that strong sense of determination. She married her husband, Frank Panek, in 1960 at St. Stanislaus in Toronto.

Despite the challenges of starting over in a new country, she immersed herself in the new culture by taking courses in English, meeting people from all walks of life. She started working in the kitchens of a hospital, and over time they recognized her hard work and potential, which led to her continued education in nursing covered at the expense of her employers, which allowed her to pursue a career in healthcare. This marked a chapter in her life she would look back on with great pride.

In 1960, her son Joseph Richard Panek was born, followed by the birth of her daughter Joanna Zofia Panek in 1964. In attempts to balance work and family life, and to ensure she could be there for her children during the day, she worked night shifts at the hospital. The work was difficult, but she persevered as she always did, driven by a desire to provide for her family and create a stable, secure future for them. Alongside her career, she worked to invest in several properties over the years including her family cottage in Barry's Bay, which allowed her to provide for her family, giving her security and peace of mind, and ultimately building a foundation in Canada that allowed future generations to flourish.

Throughout her life she also thrived in her charitable endeavours, devoting her time, energy and social skills to the leadership of multiple organizations including the Marie Curie Skłodowska Professional Women's Association, St. Casimir's Parish, The Polish Combatants' Association (SPK) and KPH Szczep Podhale ZHP Hufiec “Karpaty”, where she served as President for over 10 years.

After her retirement in 1994, she took on the role of a grandmother with the same pride and devotion she attributed to all other areas of her life. She was always active and filled with energy; her agility proved to be a gift that would serve throughout her life. Whether performing everyday chores, taking care of tasks at the cottage, or driving her car, her abilities and spirit accelerated her independence. Into her senior years, she would climb ladders, chop down trees, run, bike and play alongside her family allowing her to be actively involved in their lives, staying energetic and engaged, even as the years passed.

Władysława Stefania Panek was a strong, intelligent, resilient, bold and vibrant woman whose determination, perseverance, and passion built a legacy for her family and their future generations. She will be missed immensely but never forgotten as her lessons and vitality have inspired many. Her story and legacy will continue to be treasured and passed on. Our family is forever grateful to have been shaped by her influence and spirit & welcome you to celebrate her life alongside us.