Krystyna WOJAKOWSKI

KRYSTYNA WOJAKOWSKI MD, PhD, F.R.C.P. (C) Dr. Krystyna Wojakowski passed away suddenly after a lengthy illness on Monday, January 2, 2023, in her 87th year. Krystyna Halina, nee Bernasowska, was the beloved wife of Dr. Bruce Murray, lovingly remembered by her daughter, Dorothy (Dot); and her husband, Andy Cuk; and predeceased by her husband, Alf Wojakowski; and sister, Helen Doren. Born in 1936 to Wiktor and Maria Bernasowski in Radom, Poland, where her father was a judge involved in setting up the judicial system in Poland post WWI, her early life was disrupted by the Nazi invasion, with her family given 24 hours to vacate their home. She survived from the kindness of relatives, friends and charity. Her father was unable to resume his career after WWII with the communist takeover and his severe handicap from rheumatoid arthritis. She received her medical education at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, achieving both a medical degree and a PhD. She continued on to specialize in Pediatrics. Krystyna left Poland in 1968 with her marriage to Alf Wojakowski, a professional engineer and Polish refugee in Canada, taking up residence in Toronto where her daughter, Dorothy, was born, and in the early 1970s, moved to London. Krystyna was adamant about continuing her career and worked to requalify as a physician in Canada, subsequently training as a psychiatrist with a specialty in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She was a dedicated clinician, working with children and families at various settings in London, including Children's Psychiatric Research Institute (CPRI), Victoria Hospital Child and Adolescent Outpatient Clinic, Children's Aid Society London and Middlesex Medical Clinic, and Telepsychiatry Western Hub, in addition to a private practice consulting and advising London pediatricians. She was an enthusiastic teacher, proud to be a mentor to psychiatric trainees. She introduced medical students to the psychiatric discipline and assisted in teaching the History of Medicine course at Western University. Dr. "Woj" epitomized to her students that women could have both a family and a career in medicine. Outside medicine, Krystyna had a wide variety of interests. She loved classical music and served on the board of Orchestra London for several terms. Opera was a special love and she visited many opera houses with the Canadian Opera Company Travel Program. She enjoyed attending theatre with friends, especially the Stratford and the Shaw Festivals, as well as the Grand Theatre here in London. She took many art history courses and at one time even contemplated a career as an art historian. Ever stylish, she became a devotee of fashion, especially Canadian designers. One of her joys was unearthing a good bargain. She enjoyed nature and outdoor activities like skiing, hiking and canoeing. She became a physical exercise enthusiast later in life, starting many days with a step class. Many thanks to her doctors and hospital staff, especially Dr. Grace Szczerbowski, and to the dedicated and caring staff at Manor Village, particularly the PSWs whom she called her angels. Visitation will be on Saturday, January 7, 2023, from 2-4 p.m. at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James Street at Richmond. Prayers will be led by Father Murray Sample on Saturday at 1:30 p.m., in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution to London Symphonia, the Arthritis Society or the Orangutan International Foundation Canada would be greatly appreciated.