Emilia Gudowski

Born on May 15, 1927, in Jankowicze, Poland, our beloved mother Emilia died peacefully at home in Hamilton, ON, on December 21, 2024, at the age of 97. Mama lived a long life that began with many hardships at an early age. She lost her mother at age 12 and took on the responsibility of caring for her father and three brothers. In 1939, Germany along with Russia attacked Poland and Emilia's birthplace became occupied by the Germans. As a result of the activity of the Polish underground in the vast Naliboki Wilderness, Emilia and thousands of others were transported by cattle rail cars to German labour camps. When World War II ended, Emilia's family ended up in Displaced Persons Camps. Since the 1945 Yalta Agreement between the allies gave the land where Emilia was born to the Soviet Union, nearly no one returned to their homeland. Emilia emigrated to London, ON along with her best girlfriend Mary Augustynowicz, where she married Czeslaw and had three children. Emilia initially worked as a seamstress for the Eaton Company and eventually in the cafeteria and housekeeping departments of St. Joseph's Hospital in Hamilton, ON. Beloved wife of the late Czeslaw Gudowski. Mama was the heart of our home and family. At the age of 45, she became a widow and raised three beautiful children. Loving mother of Christine Nowacki and her husband Waldemar of Youngston N.Y., Edward Gudowski and his wife Irene of Nanaimo B.C., and Lucy Stawiarski and her husband Steve of Ancaster, ON. Cherished Babcia of Renata, Andrew, Kristin, Thomas, Donna, Mark, Laura and Adam. Predeceased by two brothers, Michael and Kazimer and her sister Maria Miszuk. Emilia was a long-standing member of the Holy Rosary Society of St. Stanislaus Church in Hamilton. Emilia will be greatly missed by all who loved her. Mama will remain in our hearts forever. Visitation at Markey-Dermody Funeral Home on Saturday, December 28 from 9-10am. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Stanislaus Polish Church, 8 St. Ann Street, on Saturday, December 28 at 10:30am. Burial to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.