Contributions to the tribute of Zofia Zielinski

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Kathy Sisson posted a condolence

Saturday, August 16, 2025

Dear Lucy I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. She was a kind, generous, friendly lady who was always welcoming. She made the absolute best cheesecake and plum cake. Her pirogies were next level. Zofia always had the most lush vegetable garden. Homemade sauerkraut was always stocked ready to be enjoyed by her family. All Zofia’s food was made from scratch, ensuring her family had the very best. Lucy, I know you took excellent care of your mom. You were both very fortunate to have each other. May the grieving process be easier for you knowing how much she loved you. Thinking of you with love, Kathy Kerwin Sisson

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Krystyna Dmochowski posted a symbolic gesture

Saturday, August 16, 2025

Dear Lucy and Family, Please accept our deepest sympathy. Lost is something that is difficult to adequately express in words. You can use a variety of words of descriptive words, but they can’t begin to capture how it truly feels. I know that your Mama is in a better place , reunited with family and friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Krystyna and Raymond

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Natalia Uscinowicz uploaded photo(s)

Friday, August 15, 2025

Pani Babcia, as I called her sometimes, was a close family friend. As my sister mentioned, we grew up sitting close to her at church and it felt strange to sit anywhere else. I remember her delicious food and wonderful get togethers on Sundays at her place after mass. Stopping in for tea to sit and chat when I was older. A heart of gold, she made me the most beautiful prom dress and taught me how to make gołąbki. Her rogaliki were famous and she always had some in the freezer. When it was 40 degrees in my apartment and I was studying during my bar exams, she invited me to study at her place over a few afternoons where it was much cooler. Always calm and kind, she was simply the best. I will miss her very much. To Zenek, Lucyna, and the rest of Zosia's lovely family - please accept my most heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Natalia Uscinowicz

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Grazyna and Tomek Uscinowicz uploaded photo(s)

Friday, August 15, 2025

As new immigrants at the Polish Church in 1981, we quickly noticed a kind woman sitting with, whom we assumed, was her elderly mother, in the pew in front of us. They sang beautifully and seemed centered in prayer. We later found out that it was Zosia and that she co-owned (with her husband) a deli in the Byward Market, whose products were delicious, reminiscent of (if not directly from) Poland. We were introduced shortly after in person and our decades long friendship began. Together with friends we feasted happily, laughed heartily, and volunteered in the parish (such as counting the Sunday collection each Monday, planning community picnics). Zosia was a woman we loved and admired for her strong faith, hard work, resiliency and openness. Our age difference and even moving away from Ottawa, did not stand in the way of our strong connection. For 12 years, we lived in the Burlington area, where Zosia's son Zenek also lived, so our meetings continued with the same joy of living fully. Life is a circle; we moved back to Ottawa and our friendship continued to be as warm, supportive as ever whether it was in our homes or later at Zosia's retirement home. Through COVID (and beyond), we listened to mass in Polish over the telephone together and just as in the beginning, her devotion to God was obvious, her songs (not missing a single beat or lyric) rang true straight to our hearts. She remained cheerful when we would visit which was so heart warming. In this time of grief, we turn to the comfort of God's Love and Hope knowing that love prevails and that we will be together again in eternity. We pass along our most sincere condolences to her dear dear family who she cherished.

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Sherry and Lance posted a condolence

Thursday, August 14, 2025

We only met Babcia once at her granddaughter’s wedding. She was exactly as described over the years by her loving family. Through our friendship with Zenek and Sherrri, we heard frequently about Babcia. She was personified as the heart and strength of the family. Her sense of trust and hope in following her husband by bringing her children to Canada when they were young was a leap of faith and a commitment to their future in a better place. She worked hard, supporting everyone, creating an environment for her children’s success. Throughout her life, she was dutiful, loving and exhibited a strong faith. As family friends, we saw the strong connection between Babcia and her son and family who repaid her with love, duty and care in her golden years. Giving and receiving throughout her life, getting back the heartfelt love she gave. A life of blessings.

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Nicole uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, August 14, 2025

From her great grandson, Bennett

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Kelsie uploaded photo(s)

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Babcia lived 98 incredible years and was truly the heart of our family. I’ll never forget her delicious baking (paczkis, rogaliki, plum jam, carrot muffins, “Babcia” bread, blueberry pies) and how she brought our family together week after week over dinner—sometimes she wouldn’t say a word at all, but would just smile knowing we were all under her roof talking, laughing, and eating. When I lived with her during University, I’ll never forget how every morning she had breakfast waiting downstairs, and how she’d watch me through the front door to make sure I caught the bus safely. She was the kind of person who would give absolutely anything for the people she loved. I’m also especially grateful for all the help and support she gave my parents while raising me—she was like an extra parent when they needed it, and it’s because of her that I am the woman I am today. I also remember one day after getting off the bus, I ran into someone I knew just as I was walking up the driveway to Babcia’s house. They told me they couldn’t believe how perfectly kept both her lawn and garden were, and that she was widely known in the neighborhood as “the garden lady”. It made me so proud because I knew how much love and hard work she poured into it. Babcia was also incredibly hardworking, building a life in Canada from nothing. Sometimes Blake (my husband) calls me “mini Babcia” because of my strong, determined, hardworking, yet stubborn nature, and it’s the greatest honor. I will always carry a little piece of her in everything I do. Finally, I’m so grateful Babcia was there on my wedding day. Although she won’t be here to meet my future children, her spirit will live on in the stories, photos, and memories I’ll share with them. Thank you for everything, Babcia. I will love you forever and you will never be forgotten. XOXOX

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izabela uscinowicz uploaded photo(s)

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Pani Zosia was a close friend to my family for decades. As a child, I grew up sitting near her in church every Sunday and can still hear her voice singing in Polish mass. She sheltered us during the ice storm when our home’s power did not return for days. On many occasions, she fed us delicious home cooking such as pierogi and rogaliki along with the genuine warmth that was ever present in her home… I can still hear her laughter which makes me smile. As an adult, I lived in her neighborhood and my son as a toddler practiced his stair climbing eagerly on her long staircase. Her lawn/garden was gorgeous thanks to her own hard work; her tomatoes grew beautifully from seed but more importantly her impeccable care and dedication. Whenever I drive by, that corner is still (and always will be) Pani Zosia’s home and all the love it represents. Thank you Pani Zosia for your presence in my life. Your family has many treasured memories and I hope they bring them comfort now. My condolences to her beloved family. May you remember that Grief is Love. Sincerely Iza Uscinowicz

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The family of Zofia Zielinski uploaded a photo

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Zofia Zielinski

1927 - 2025

Interment Information

Cole Funeral Services:

Zofia Zielinski

1927 - 2025

Interment Information

Cole Funeral Services:

OUR FAMILY IS HERE TO HELP