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Mary Anne KAZMIERSKI
Mary Anne KAZMIERSKI
Obituary
Guest Book
Mary KAZMIERSKI Obituary
(a.k.a. Mama Kaz)
Mama Kaz was called by God late on Saturday, November 5, 2011.
After a life-time of fighting for others, mom died after a short, but tenacious fight with cancer. Her response when she received her diagnosis in August was vintage Mama Kaz: "That's no damn good", followed by "Let's just keep on keeping on". She spent her last days on her terms; with friends and family in her extravagantly decorated house, with good food (that she didn't have to cook) being served, surrounded by the sounds of celebration, of song and of prayer. The love that surrounded her was a living testament to her belief that: "if you want to love living, you have to live loving".
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, mom spent her life as an advocate of inclusive education. She started teaching when she was just 16 years old. She studied religious education at Grailville, in both Ohio and Amsterdamm. As a young woman, she lived in South Africa, working with high school students to establish Catholic Education training in the townships around Johannesburg. She continued her religious education training at Lumen Vitae in Brussels before returning to Toronto to work as one of the first Catholic education consultants in the country. She met her husband Carl (Papa Kaz) while completing an M.A. in Religious Studies at the University of Ottawa and returned to teaching in the classroom when they moved to Germany to allow Carl to complete his doctorate. She cajoled and inspired elementary students for decades.
A woman of extraordinary accomplishments, her most lasting impact will be felt as a result of her work as a champion of inclusive education for children with mental disabilities. Not satisfied with winning just her own battle to have her son Greg integrated, she worked tirelessly (together with Papa Kaz, the dedicated parents of Integration Action and other advocates) to ensure that all mentally-challenged children can attend the same classes in the same schools as their friends and neighbours. She continued fighting for 'our kids' until the end and could be heard cursing the barriers they face and celebrating the victories they achieve from her hospital bed.
Thanks to the care provided by Dr. Louise Coulombe, mom was able to die at home surrounded by her family, Vincent, Angie (Cummings), Greg, Tara, Cal, Paige, Josh, Phoenix and Nerisse. She will be missed also by her sister Angela and brothers Jim and Father John, by her sisters-in-law, Pat, Maryann, Jean and Joan (already waiting in heaven), her brothers-in-law Otto and Bob, and countless nieces and nephews in both Canada and the United States. She goes now to join dad as an eternal advocate on our behalf.
Friends are invited to visit at the St. Laurent Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 1200 Ogilvie Road on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church, 3092 Innes Road, (near Blackburn Hamlet) on Saturday, November 12th at 7pm. Reception to follow in Parish Hall.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
44 Entries
Deacon Lee &Claudette Winchester
April 7, 2018
Mama Kaz , was a light to others ,she was always kind caring and Very loving.. lots of fun and surprises when she was there . The Diaconate folks that journeyed with our class.will always be grateful for her creativity , honestly , warmth. Karl visited me every Saturday chocolates , when I had my hip surgery.He supported us totally , they were a great couple who didn't take themselves too seriously .oh for a dish of Karl's soup. We miss you both, RIP. Peace Claudette and Deacon Lee.
April 5, 2018
Oh my dear, I still miss you
MaryJean Borg
March 6, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of this lovely lady's passing. She was one of my favorite teachers and I have always thought about her and her son who had to have open heart surgery when she was teaching us. God Bless this wonderful lady and her family.
Pierrette
November 14, 2011
With sorrow and smiles I look back on times spent with this unique woman--my comrade, my dearest friend.
Mama Kaz is the stuff of legends. My friend was a love pied piper, a being blending magic and humanity. a doer--tender, courageous and joyful with limitless imaginings. A woman of style in her signature silver convertible, a strong and fearless intellectual with an amazing purse collection.
At no time was her sense of the beautiful, more evidently glorious than at Christmas. The Kazmierski house converted into a small Xmas chateau, a setting for the fabulous, the whimsical, the sentimental; delicates plates laden with the season's savories greeting every visitor.
These bright welcomes extended to all are also owned by her awesome children, their children and spouses. As one friend visiting a very sick Mary Ann said through her tears: "These extraordinary people, they are the ones consoling you."
And so we thank you, the small and the tall. You lightened our anguish. Mama and Papa Kaz approve.
Pierrette L. Beaconhill
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Shannon
November 13, 2011
Vince, Greg, Angie, Tara, Pheonix, Narisse....
My deepest sympathies to you all. Like many have written, I have such fond memories of your mom and dad (grandma and grandpa). Many of these memories centre around their generosity -- opening up their home to "the gang", engaging us all in truly remarkable conversation and checking in to see how we were all doing....celebrating our successes and encouraging/supporting us through the rough spots.
Reading of all your mom's/grandma's accomplishments is truly remarkable.......what a huge heart she had. Farewell "Mama Kaz".
Take good care. Sending lots of love your way...
Joelle Miles
November 12, 2011
Mama Kaz was an amazing lady who will be sorely missed. She was a truly unforgettable and irreplaceable individual, but her legacy will live on through her deeds and through her wonderful children and grandchildren.
Carol Kuzmochka
November 12, 2011
My deepest condolances to all the family. I will never forget the flamboyant personality of Mama Kaz! She was one of a kind! Both she and Carl touched, formed, and changed many lives with their gifted and loving presence! Well done good and faithful servants! blessings and prayers,
November 11, 2011
Your Mom was a trailblazer in her support and encouragement of young people with developmental challenges. Marilyn and i enjoyed speaking with Mama Kaz at the Scott family BBQ this past summer. She was so positive about life and relationships. We will not forget her . We extend our warmth and love to all family members .
Ron & Marilyn Wing
Margaret, Michel Roussel
November 11, 2011
We met Mary-Anne three years ago, and right away loved her generous soul, her vivacious personality. She has now been called back by her Maker, and will protect from Heaven her family abd friends. All praise to the Lord!
Carly Haydt (Grant-Carriere)
November 11, 2011
Mama Kaz was my 3rd grade teacher, a woman we alternately feared and were in awe of. I have always remembered her great love of music and her class was always one of my favourites for that reason alone. She taught me so much - even how to smile naturally and "on command". Her love of life was contagious and will never be forgotten. My sincere condolences to all of you, her loving family and friends.
Andrew Winder
November 11, 2011
My deepest sympathies to all the family. Many colourful memories of Mrs. K. A lady who championed many worthy causes. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ruth Martin
November 11, 2011
Dear Vince, Angie, Greg and families,
Your mom was such a gifted and unique woman who touched many during her life, including me. Thinking about her now, I can see your mom smiling and holding court at the back of the cathedral. I feel very thankful for the comfort, guidance and friendship that she ... and your dad gave so selflessly over the years we shared in the Notre Dame community. My thoughts are with you.
November 11, 2011
I was shocked and sad to hear of the passing of your Mom. She had such vitality and joy. I always enjoyed my chats with her on the street and smiled and waved back spontaneously whenever I saw her driving by in her sports car. The world needs more people like her. Paula, David, Brendan and Jocelyn
Paula Boosamra
November 11, 2011
Vince, Ange and all your family,
Mama Kaz taught me at Elmridge Catholic (I don't wish to say how many years ago!) and is firmly embedded in my memory as such a loving character, full of life, love and laughter. May her journey be peaceful and guided by her ancesters to a loving place. You are in my heart and thoughts now as always. Paula Boo xoxoxoox
Billy Lowe
November 10, 2011
To Mary Anne's family - my sincere and heartfelt condolence - Mary Anne was a God sent - she called me 'Peter' - Please pray for us Mary Anne you are with The Almighty for sure and in a much better place - Thanks for being - memories of you will live on forever because of who you are. Peace and Love.
Vivien Schlichthorn
November 10, 2011
Angie, Vince and Greg and family
So sorry about your loss. You have wonderful memories that will last forever and now your Mom is with you Dad for eternity. My prayers are with you all.
Vivien
November 10, 2011
To all the Kaz family and to Father John, Angie and Jim, my very deepest sympathies. From the first time I met Mary Ann in our teenage years, she always had a big smile for everyone. God has greeted her with a smile and she is now at peace.
Sincerely, Barbara Purcell
November 10, 2011
My sympathies to all the family.We worked together at Our Lady Of Wisdom for many years. She was a great person and loved to chat. My prayers are with you.
Elizabeth Kovacs
Brent Winder
November 10, 2011
Vince, Angie & Greg - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have so many great memories of 'Mama Kaz'. She was a very special lady - A true 'mom' to the entire neighbourhood who will be profoundly missed.
Deacon Lee and Claudette Winchester, IHM Parish
November 9, 2011
DEAR Vince , Angie , GREG. and Family members.. MaryAnne was 'One of a kind' and a modern day Heroine.She and Carl knew loved and served their Lord, 2 VERY special People. You were Blessed to Have them as parents, they have gone to the room prepared for them ,,,And what a Room the MUST be!!!We will Miss them however we hold many great memories tucked in the corner of our hearts which we can access at a moments notice...Peace
November 9, 2011
My sympathy to Mary Anne's family. I knew her when I was studying at Ottawa-U in the late 1960's. She is now reunited with Karl (my prof.) in their eternal Home. My prayers are with you.
Sr.Josephine Sanche, P.M
Tamara Nugent
November 9, 2011
To the Kazmierski Family,
Words do not do justice to the way your mom inspired and nurtured a living faith...I was blessed to have her as my teacher as a young girl living on the Base in Baden, Germany. She was an amazing, spirited woman! Whether she had us standing on our desks singing "Rise and Shine", gathered on the carpet to share stories and pray for Greg, or sowing the seeds of inclusion instilling in us that everyone belongs; these were all joy and grace-filled moments. As you pray your goodbyes, may the presence of family and friends bring you comfort.
Tamara
raymond & mary leah mcintaggart
November 9, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Anne
November 9, 2011
To the Kazmierski family: I'm very sorry for your loss. Kaz was such an "out there" kind of person...a wonderful woman who advocated for us and raised our spirits with her great humour and attitude. Unselfish, caring and positive are the other three words that come quickly to mind when I think of Kaz. I feel fortunate to have known her, and you are all most fortunate to have had her in your lives.
Cathy Ptaszkiewicz
November 9, 2011
My deepest sympathies and prayers are with you in this time of sadness. May Mamma Kaz rest in peace.
Cathy
Sue Ennis
November 9, 2011
To Angie, Vince and Greg,
My thoughts are with all of you . Remembering your Mom as a really dynamic and special person. She will be missed.
Sue Ennis (Pat Weber's sister)
November 9, 2011
Mary Anne was my unique friend and I loved her very much.
Hugs and love to you Vincent, Angie, and Greg.
You are in my thoughts and prayers at the very sad loss of your mother.
Carmel Holgate. Halifax, Nova Scotia
November 9, 2011
Angie, Vince and Greg,
My deepest sympathy to you in your recent loss. I have many great 'Blackburn memories' of Mama Kaz over the years. Who could forget her snazzy hat as she drove in the convertible??!! She always told us as kids to use our God given gifts and I often keep that in mind. She will be missed deeply.
With love,
Tory
November 9, 2011
My deepest condolences...
Michel Gardaz
Ian Smith
November 9, 2011
My prayers are with all of you in this difficult time.
Anneke van Nooten
November 9, 2011
Dear Vince, Angie, Greg and family,
Hugs and condolences to all of you from all of us. So many wonderful memories of your mom. Love, Anneke
November 9, 2011
To all the Kazmierski family, my deepest condolences. I fondly remember the night Mary Anne and Carl, came to dinner. We had a night filled with fun and laughter, all due to Mary Anne.
She always called me "Mother", as she did with so many of the mothers of her students. No matter where I was, in church or on the street, she would always come up to me, give me a big hug and say, "How are you mother?"...what a precious work of God.
She was one of a kind, and I know, she can never be replaced.
What a glorious soul, for me to have be fortunate enough to have shared time with.
- Sharon Chamberlin
Uncle Bob & Aunt Jean Wagner
November 9, 2011
Dear Greg and Family,
The world has been brightened by the ever smiling presence of your Mama Kaz among us all ... loving family, and loving friends at church and at the grocey store ... and strangers in the shoppes, too. We love the radiance of Mama Kaz's happy smile in this Guest Book photo. I have a feeling that you, Greg, chose to share it with us all. Thank you, God Bless you, and all of your loving family.
Kelly S
November 9, 2011
My sympathies go to her family. She was the most memorable lady I have ever met in grade school. She was my 3rd grade teacher at Our Lady of Wisdom in Orleans Ontario, back in the late 1980s. I remember she gave a prize to the person who can spell her name correctly. I studied for a week to get it right. I won a candy cane! Rest in Peace Mama Kaz.
November 9, 2011
Dear Greg and Family,
Your mom's light will always shine in many hearts that she touched. All our love and hugs.
Samantha Murphy and family
Nancy Juran
November 9, 2011
My condolences go out to Greg and the rest of Mama Kaz's family and friends!! She was an amazing person to be around!! Always a big smile on her face, like Greg!! My thoughts and prayers will be with you all this during this time!! xoxo
Deacon Charles Fink
November 9, 2011
"If you want to love living, you have to live loving". That pretty well sums up Mama Kaz. Matriarch of the Diaconate community in Ottawa; you will be sadly missed. May you rest in the eternal arms of love.
Bob Busby
November 9, 2011
Dear Vince Angie Greg Family Relatives & Friends:
My Deepest Love goes out to You at this time. Mary Anne was so full of giveing to others. A Person that had so much energy you wonder where she got it.
Mary Anne gave Her heart to what She know was right. Mary Anne & Carl are watching over Us and are as near as a thought.
My PRAYER;s!! DEEPEST LOVE I send to You!
Bob busby
Linda Bekkers
November 9, 2011
Mary Ann was a wonderfully kind, compassionate person who helped a great number of people. God bless all of you as you journey along without her. Just because she is not physically present does not mean she is not with you in spirit.
A fellow teacher,
Patti Teepell
November 9, 2011
Dear Vince, Angie, Greg, Tara, Cal, Paige, Josh, Phoniex and Nurisse,
I am so sad to hear about Mama Kaz. She was the most wonderful women anyone could know. She was there for me since the day I was born. She was my godmother. I will so miss her. She always taught us how to live, love and to do things in the best way. I miss her laugh, her smile and her kind and generous heart. She was part of all the happiness and joys in my life and in my children's life. She was there for the sadness that I have encountered in my life as well. The lord now has two amazing people in heaven, Your mom and dad. My heart goes out to all of you. May God bless you and keep you safe in the sad time of your lives. Mama and Papa Kaz are watching over you and will always be there for you.
Dee & Dan Careau
November 9, 2011
Time will never erase our wonderful memories of Mama Kaz - her laughter, her caring, her outlandish purses and fans.... A wonderfuly sympathetic person is gone from us, but she is now lighting up heaven! Our deepest sympathy to her children and all the family. One can only imagine the joy on Carl's face at seeing his special lady again!
Carol Sinclair
November 9, 2011
My Deepest Sympathies to all of Mary Anne's family on the loss of such an amazing person. I was helped tremendously by her in advocating for my Son. Mary Anne ( or Mama Kaz ) as we knew her, was a Force de Vivre and will be greatly missed by all who knew her...God Bless.
Cindy Demers
November 9, 2011
Dear Greg and Family:
I am so very sorry to hear of "mamma Kaz" passing, she was a remarkable woman, when i lived in Blackburn, we would chat at the grocery store and have a chuckle with Greg...i know he will miss her very much,,, they say, only God takes the best, and this is true she was a one of a kind lady.."Rest in Peace" your work here is finished, just know that you were loved by many many people.
Cindy
November 9, 2011
Although we had never met, your Mama Kaz, she inspired all of us with children fighting for inclusion. When my daughter was born with special needs, your Mom was the first one other Moms told me about. She has truly been an inspiration to many, many of us. You will miss her but think of how lucky you were to have had her and to have learned from her. Thanks for sharing your Mom with other Moms.
Sincerely,
Melanee Happy
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