Czeslawa Irena (Mrs. P) Podstolska

Passed away at McCormick Home, on Friday, January 8^th, 2021, with her daughter by her side, in her 96^th year.  She leaves behind her daughter Yvonne Stephens (Gerald) and sisters Juliana and Teresa as well as relatives in Poland.  Pre-deceased by so many, including her husband Zbigniew Peter (2017) of 61 years and her sisters Jadwiga, Hannia and Maryla.  Born in Radom, Poland, one of six girls, who in spite of the challenges of occupied Poland during WWII was able to graduate top of her class as a registered nurse and midwife working in the emergency room and surgical units until re-uniting with her friend, and then husband in England where she worked as a Pediatric Nurse.  In England with Peter, they enjoyed exploring the countryside on the back of a Vespa and Lambretta Scooter.  In 1959, Canada called and they settled in London, Ontario.  She worked in the premature and intensive care nursery at War Memorial Children’s Hospital.  With Peter, they continued to explore their new home in their Triumph TR3 and Honda motorcycle.  She loved to ski, play sports, all animals, fashion, music and dance.  In retirement, those interests continued, and also included sewing, knitting, gardening and loving her home.  Her final years were lived at McCormick Home, briefly with her husband and then with a select ‘extended family’ of people who truly cared.  To those and so many others in the community we are, and continue to be most grateful.  She was strong, determined and accomplished in a life filled with challenges…in a life well lived….Cremation has taken place after an overwhelming honour guard attended by so many staff and residents at McCormick Home.  First separated by war, then briefly by illness and finally by death, now together with Peter again as it should be.  For her love of animals and wildlife, and if you are able, please consider a donation to Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre, or to the charity that you feel most passionately serves your community.  Lastly in these challenging times, please be kind…