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Didja NAWOLSKY Obituary
(nee Jedidja Bongers)
April 12, 1963 – May 7, 2015
The Lord welcomed our dearest Didja home May 7, 2015, with Jeff and Cassidy by her side loving her until the very end. She was the bravest lady we ever knew, who endured unimaginable pain and suffering over the past 13 years, yet never complained nor felt sorry for herself! Instead she chose to live life to the fullest, seizing each day and squeezing as much from it as she could. She inspired anyone who was blessed to be part of her life, often in ways she wasn't even aware of. She was brave, heroic, funny, compassionate, caring and mischievous; always placing others before herself. Despite everything she had to deal with, she had a selfless way of diverting the attention off herself and her struggles, instead helping others cope with theirs. Didja was born in The Netherlands before her family immigrated to Christchurch, New Zealand where she grew up. With the heart of an explorer, she set off around the world seeking adventure and finally settling in Calgary. Whilst working in her many professions, her personality blossomed into the lives of everyone she met. With the arrival of Cassidy, Didja focused all her energies into being the best mom she could be, dedicating countless hours of effort to our neighbourhood, school and community. We, Jeff and Cassidy, have lost our closest friend and confidante; our spark of laughter, our lover of life, our chaser of dreams, our everything! We would like to express our sincerest thanks to all the wonderful nurses and doctors for their compassionate care of Didja and our family during this journey. Please join our family and friends in The Celebration of Didja's Life at Centre Street Church (3900 - 2nd Street NE) on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with Didja's family through www.evanjstrong.com. To reflect Didja's zest for life, please feel free to dress as brightly as you desire. Instead of flowers please support a cause dear to Didja's heart and follow the link to Kidney March 'Team Didja' (http://tinyurl.com/pkk5wy7). You can even join the team in her honour! Arrangements in care of EVAN J. STRONG FUNERAL SERVICES 403-265-1199.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
32 Entries
Brian WALLACE
August 2, 2015
Dearest Jeff and Casidy this message comes late we know, but please know our thoughts, memories and love are with you both and your families.We are saddened by your loss of Didga, such an insperation to all of us, forever and for always. May you feel our Lords deep deep love through the many people your family has encouraged and touched over the years with sweet generosity, love and the great mercies and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Much love always your friends Brian + Linda Wallace
HD RANKIN
May 26, 2015
I Am So Very Saddened By The Loss Of DIDJA. Seems Like Yesterday, WE Walked Out Of MRC To The World Of Television.
I Will Always Remember Her Fabulous Smile And "Where's That Bugger Mark(Chikinda)!" When He Was Standing Right Behind Her.
Adieu Cherie - DONNY At REELSmith
Julian Midgley
May 24, 2015
I, among many, were and will continue to be inspired by Didja. That first Kidney March was an inspiration to us all. The drive to help others. Looking forward to celebrating Didja at every Kidney March in the future
Raman and Nandha's 50th
Janice & Kishore Visvanathan
May 24, 2015
Dear Jeff, Cassidy and family,
So sorry to hear of the death of Didja. We always remember her with a smile,a story,chuckles and full of spark.It was a honour to have been able to have spent time with you on our visits to Canmore.
Hugs and love.
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May 21, 2015
21st May So very sorry to read of Didja's passing. My memories go back to a trip with Dragoman in 1998. We rolled through India, Pakistan, Iran. Syria, Turkey and Jordan in converted Mercedes truck. Jeff and Didja were the shining couple on that adventure, always laughing taking photos and such fun to be with and so much in laugh. My thoughts and sympathy to you Jeff and your family. Evelyn Paulssen,
Andy Doyle-Linden
May 20, 2015
Jeff - My deepest symapthy for you at this difficult time. You remain in our thoughts.
Michael Poland
May 19, 2015
Jeff, may God continue to hold you and yours in His loving embrace. Our hearts and prayers go out to your family. Sincerely, Michael Poland and family.
Dan Jahnke
May 19, 2015
Dear Jeff, we are very sorry to hear of your loss, it has been a very long time since we have partied together, if you need a get away for some time alone come join us in Denia Spain, again very sorry and wish you the best and love to you and your family.
Dan and Agnes Jahnke
May 19, 2015
Being the instrument given by our creator to train Didja,Cassidy and Jeff in this journey they all took together, I am humbled to know all of you, the power,zest for life, courage and love that Didja brought to each room she goes into was inspiring and larger than life itself. Jeff and Cassidy, my deepest condolences and prayers.We lost a living angel, now embraced by her Creator in peace...
Teresa
Margaret Downing
May 19, 2015
Jeff and Cassidy, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Didja touched our lives and inspired us. We were so lucky to have her in our life. We will miss her. The Downings
May 18, 2015
Didja was such a kind & fun person to work with. Then she & Jeff went on a world wide trip of a lifetime.
I am so happy Dij had a wonderderful life with Jeff & Cassidy between Calgary & Canmore ...and holidaying in other places. You are all blessed
Gill
May 18, 2015
Jeff and Cassidy, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. We will always think of Didja's lovely smile as we chatted with her.
Donna, Brad, Morgan and Kelsey Trewin
CFCN TV crew ..GB
May 18, 2015
All of us at CTV Calgary (CFCN) thoroughly enjoyed working with Didja, clever humor, great smile, always getting the job done..Thank-you Didja
Derrill Ladell
May 18, 2015
What a journey. You addressed brickwalls
like they weren't there. Having you in my
life was truly special and has left many permanent memories.
Prayers and comfort to you Jeff and
Cassidy....Love always.
Dr. DK (Derrill Ladell)
May 18, 2015
Jeff and cassidy my thoughts and prayers are with you. your friend in Christ Larry
Shirley Pinter
May 17, 2015
deepest faith I have ever seen.
Cam Young
May 17, 2015
As an old friend, my heart goes out to you Jeff and Cassidy. May Didja dance among the stars on the wings of an angel.
Jo-Ann de Repentigny
May 17, 2015
Jeff and Cassidy I met Didja through home hemo. She was truly an inspiration to me in our support groups. Always upbeat and handling those detours in life with no problems. Cassidy, you were blessed to have such an incredible Mom. I have felt honored to have met her. Didja lived 100 lives to the fullest in the short time she was here. I do her 'vacation breaks' many times when I am on dialysis. I will remember her talking about those experiences. Your Mom/wife's work is done. She is now at peace.
May 16, 2015
Jeff and Cassidy,
My thoughts and prayers are sent. As I reflect on our many interactions at Elbow Park School, I recall, not only Didja's determination, optimism and beauty but also her incredibly committed and loving family. Cassidy and Jeff, continue to celebrate all that Didja through your memories of her as you cherish one another.
Most warmly,
Chris Buhler (Elbow Park School 2009-2013)
.
May 16, 2015
Dear Jeff and family
We were so sorry to hear of Didja`s passing.Our sincere sympathy and prayers.
Treve and Anne Piper
Jeff & Susan Vandermolen
May 16, 2015
Jeff & Cassidy, we are so sorry to hear of Didja's passing. What an incredible fighter she was, and what amazing love and support you two provided over those many years. We are deeply saddened by her passing, but will remember her strength, passion for life, and sense of humour. Love, Jeff & Susan Vandermolen
Evelyn Delaney
May 15, 2015
I was blessed to meet Didja just before the first Kidney March. She blew me away! She had more courage than a Super Hero.......actually, she was my Super Hero! I am truly sorry for your loss, Jeff, Cassidy and all of Didja's family and loved ones. This will be my first year not walking in Kidney March, but I will be supporting Team Didja. Love and prayers to Didja's personal team! Bless you Didja!
May 15, 2015
Jeff and Cassidy: we my heartfelt sadness for you both and your families. I will miss Didja's constant smile and happy greetings in the neighbourhood. Regards. Linda Crossley
Bryan and Sue Dawkins
May 15, 2015
We were so sorry to hear of Didja's passing. She was such a strong person and although she went through so much, we never saw her without a smile. We, along with everyone else at Hidden Harbour who came in contact with her, will miss her and that smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
May 15, 2015
Didja was one of a kind! Everyone loved her - how could you not? A truly beautiful, selfless and strong spirit who will be deeply missed by those who's life she touched. I first met Didja at what was then Calgary 7 - she was a bright, creative and enthusiastic young broadcasting student who helped produce a news for kids segment we ran called Scoop. We definitely had some fun back then.
At this profoundly sad time please find some comfort in your memories of the good times and knowing the joy she brought to so many around her. Our love and thoughts are you Jeff and Cassidy.
Lynda and Dennis and Toby xoxo
May 14, 2015
Jeff and Cassidy sending you both a hug full of love!
Judy Deane
Carellyn Pitre
May 14, 2015
Jeff I am so sorry to hear of your wife's passing. I remember you as a great and resilient being during our work together at Enron. Wishing you much strength and peace during this difficult time.
Most Sincerely,
Carellyn Pitre
May 14, 2015
Dear Jeff and Cassidy, I was so deeply sorry to hear of Didja's passing. I had the pleasure of working with her at Country 105. Didja brought a wonderful enthusiasm and energy level to the work place and was always such a bright light...a uniquely special lady. I wish you both the comfort of warm memories as you continue your life journey without her. Sincerely, Kim Dolny
Nairne Scott-Douglas
May 14, 2015
Cassidy And Jeff. It is a rarity in life when one person can can touch so very many. Your mother and wife was one of the rare. Jedidja taught so many so much about what is important in life. Thanks you so much for sharing her with us. I know I am a better person for having know her. Lots of love. Nairne
Steve & Andree Fedoruk
May 14, 2015
Our hearts go out to you, Jeff, and your beautiful daughter. Didja had an amazing soul and was an inspiration to us all. She will missed at KM. RIP Didja.
DAVID BRANNER
May 14, 2015
Jeff, So sorry to hear of Your loss. Didja was an amazing woman married to an amazing man on such an incredible journey. I've kept You and Your family in prayer since we first met at Centrestreet and will continue to do so.
Many Blessings
Mariane Cunningham
May 13, 2015
Jeff, I am so sorry to hear about Didja. We are thinking of you.
Much love,
Mariane and Steve Cunningham
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