Jadwiga Bialasz

For Jadwiga's Funeral Service Livestream, please click here.

Jadwiga Białasz, lovingly known as Jadzia, was born on October 4, 1947, in Zabłocie, Poland, a small village in the Wielkopolskie Voivodeship, Kolo County. She was the daughter of Helena and Wacław Kwaśny and the sister of Zofia. Jadzia and Zofia grew up together and remained very close throughout their lives. Zofia passed away in 2003 at the age of 53.

Jadzia faced many challenges under communist rule. As a single mother of two, her daughter Ewa and son Radosław, she worked tirelessly to provide for her family. By day, she was an accountant at the local fire station, and by night, she sewed clothes to earn extra income. Despite these difficulties, she remained kind-hearted and compassionate, a woman of both strength and sensitivity who touched the lives of everyone she knew.

Her adventurous spirit was evident as she traveled across Poland regularly, visiting family and friends in various parts of the country. Distance never stopped her from staying connected with those she loved, and she cherished every opportunity to explore new places and create lasting memories.

In her later years, Jadzia’s sense of adventure led her to Canada, where her cousins Roman Shurgot, Jean Wetzel, and Anna Fennuk had settled. During a visit to celebrate Jean’s 80th birthday, she met Władysław (Walter) Świątyński. This meeting transformed her life, and in her 60s, Jadzia made the courageous decision to move to Canada to be with Walter. They married on November 27, 2010, and enjoyed 11 happy years together. When Walter was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Jadzia became his primary caregiver, facing this challenge with the same strength and love that defined her life.

In Canada, Jadzia embraced her new life with determination and resilience. She learned enough English to communicate, adapted to a new culture, and even learned to drive, proving once again that there was nothing she couldn’t achieve. Her vibrant personality shone through her love of life, her sense of humor, and her joy in sharing funny stories.

Jadzia quickly became involved in her new community, spending time with her Canadian friends Jean, Anna, and Mary Halyk, who were affectionately known as the Polish Mafia. She was a talented cook and contributed to making pierogis with the Foam Lake Pierogie ladies. Jadzia enjoyed socializing, doing puzzles, attending senior citizen card games on Mondays, and playing 3spot with Elaine Beattie and Helen Kosmonek. She enjoyed her visits with her Polish friends Anne and Joe Neskar. During her final trip to Poland in 2023, she brought back the game ‘Rummikub’ and introduced it to her Canadian friends, creating a lasting memory. This trip was her last visit to her homeland, during which she used the opportunity to say goodbye to many Polish friends and family.

Known for her elegance and warmth, Jadzia was often described as a “classy lady.” Her kindness knew no bounds; she made friends easily and always ensured no one left her home hungry. Her baked goods—pączki, donuts, cinnamon buns, and cakes—were a testament to her generous spirit, and she often sent people home with food and dessert ‘to-go.’

In her final days, Jadzia faced her illness with the same faith and courage that had guided her throughout her life. She was well cared for by the medical staff at Wynyard Hospital, who ensured she felt no pain. Jadzia’s acceptance of her death was a testament to her unwavering faith and deep trust in God’s mercy. After saying goodbye to her son, son-in law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren on video call, she passed away in the warm embrace of her daughter, Ewa, secure in the knowledge that she was moving from this earthly life to a place of eternal peace and joy.

Jadzia was surrounded by remarkable people who supported her through her later years. Irena Walilko with family from Yorkton stayed with her to the end, Diane and Larry Wetzel were her guardian angels, assisting with medical issues, completing forms, talking to doctors, and helping her get to appointments. Charlene Kamentz also provided valuable support, visiting and helping around the house.

Jean Wetzel, Jadzia’s best friend, was almost inseparable from her upon Jadzia’s move to Foam Lake. When Jean fell ill, Jadzia cared for her with dedication, bringing her tasty food, painting her nails, and spending quality time together.

As a grandmother, Jadzia was exceptional, forging a special bond with each of her three grandchildren: Magdalena, Katarzyna, and Dariusz. She also delighted in her great-grandsons, Mikołaj and Frederick, who were the apples of her eye.

Jadzia Białasz is deeply mourned by her son Radosław, daughter Ewa and her husband Piotr, granddaughter Magdalena and her husband Chad, granddaughter Katarzyna and her fiancé Arkadiusz, grandson Dariusz and his wife Roksana, and great-grandsons Mikolaj and Frederick. Walter’s daughter Halina Hourd and her husband Gerry, Walter’s granddaughter Kelly with partner Jason, grandsons Shawn with his partner Erin, and Jeff with his partner Rachelle, and Walter’s great-grandchildren Kyler, Brooklynn, Katelynn, Braxton and Blakelyn.

Jadzia Białasz’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and a zest for life. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

The family is deeply grateful to all the friends and family, as well as the doctors and nurses from Foam Lake, Wynyard, and Saskatoon hospitals, who opened their hearts to Jadzia and showed her immense love and support. Their care and compassion were a great comfort during her final journey.

 Jadzia Białasz’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and a zest for life. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. 

Lunch will be served at the Foam Lake Senior Citizen Centre, 310 Main Street, Foam Lake.