Beloved Lodzia, Linda, Mummy, Babcia (grnadmother) - a jovial, spirited, and and truly remarkable woman, took her last breath peacefully at 6pm on Saturday 28 December at Rivermead Care Home, Bedford. We, Anna and Peter, her surviving children, had been closely involved with her care for many years and were privileged to spend a lot of time with her over those years, especially during her last week of life and particularly on her last day - so she was not alone as she gradually slipped away. Despite being very ill and suffering from Alzhiemers, she knew we were with her and held our hands tight during that time. She was aware her time was coming when she said in Polish "God is taking me" during that last week.

An exceptional woman who had survived and flourished despite huge challenges in her life. She, along with 3 siblings and her mother (her father died when she was 2), were World War 2 refugees from Poland from when she was 5 years old - journeying around the world, including Russia, Siberia and Africa until settling in England when she was 15 years old - all stayling alive against the odds. A strong and stoic woman with a passion to rise beyond and above numerous obstacles, including the death of her eldest son and husband. She valiently fought off numerous illnesses during her twilight years, springing back into the throes of life with strength and humour. She bore Alzheimers sometimes with ferocity but forever retained her sense of humour. She would joke with all of us when she asked how old we were then, looking incredulous would say, but you look only 16! Then, as is common with the disease, asked the same question again, sometimes just seconds later, and similarly quipped a jovial answer!

In her younger years, she was the "go-to" person in the Polish Community - if someone wanted something done, Lodzia was the person to do it. She was a good and friend and loved going with friends to a "cafetria" (her word for cafe) for coffee as well as being hugely socialble.  She was a loyal friend and confidente and loved her friends dearly. She loved to cook for family and friends and everything she made was delicious, especially her apple pie cake and torte. 

She loved her husband, children and grandchildren and hudgely enjoyed sharing her love as a grandmother (babcia). Her 2 grandshildren, Joseph and Gregory, are fortunate to have many lovely and loving memories of their grandmother - particularly her sense of humour.

Everyone recalls how she was always smiling, laughing and joking and that is how we will remember her. A light may have gone out in the world, but we know that her essense, her spirit, shines on always and for ever.