JANINA BONCHEK

April 14, 1928 ~ February 15, 2026, 97 years young
Survived by daughters Isobel, Lillie and Donna; grandchildren Jeffrey (Deanna), Tamara, Amanda (Malcolm), Jennifer, Christopher (Lauren), Mario and Serafina (Alex) and great-grandchildren Stefan, Thomas, Michael, Tobi, Cole, Isabella and Mariella. Pre-deceased by husbands Michael Karczynski (1990) and Walter Bonchek (2004); daughter Christine (2025) and grandson Michael (2021).

Nina was born in 1928. At the age of 15 during World War II, she was out after curfew and was captured by German Soldiers, never to see her family again. She spent the war years working as a domestic labourer in Germany. At the end of the war, she immigrated to Montreal, Canada where she worked as a seamstress in a coat factory. There she met Michael Karczynski, the love of her life. They settled in Hornepayne where Mike worked for CN Railway and they raised their four girls. After Michael's death, she eventually settled in Bowmanville where she met and married Walter Bonchek. Some years after Walter's passing, she moved to Thunder Bay.

Nina was vivacious and full of life. Her immense strength, resilience (and stubbornness!) came from all she endured early on in life. She loved fiercely and was a force to be reckoned with. She took immense pride in her home and garden. She was a fantastic cook, a talented seamstress and loved a good party.

Nina's family would like to thank the staff of Pioneer Ridge, Home Area One, for their care of Nina over the years and especially the compassion shown in the final days of her life.

A celebration of life and burial will be held at a later date in Hornepayne, Ontario.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Nina's memory to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada.

Rest in peace beautiful lady. We will all raise a glass in your honour. Nasdrovia.
Condolences may be offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca