It is with deep sadness that the family of Kazimiera (Kazia/Kathy) Sleszko announces her passing on December 14, 2024. She was surrounded by her daughters and passed away peacefully in London, Ontario at the age of 86 after battling an illness.

Kazia is survived by her daughters Yolanta, Bozena, son-in-law Jason, grandchildren Jordan, Jake, McKenna, Jacy, and brother Zigmunt. Special mention to Sarah (Jake) and Cole (McKenna). Kazia is predeceased by her husband Mietek, mother and father (Josefa and Wladyslaw), brothers (Tadeusz and Jan) and long-time friend Joe.

Kazia immigrated from Poland in 1964 for a leap of love with Mietek and to live in a country of bounty and freedom. They married and settled in the Red Lake community where they built a life that was filled with love, family, and life long friendships. They had two daughters, Yola and Bozena. Kazia was a wonderful dedicated mother who always put her daughters first and did everything to give them the best life possible.

Kazia was a strong and hard-working woman. Her jobs included store manager at the Quality Meat Market for many years, a cook at the Red Dog Inn and custodian at St. John's school. She was an active member of the Polish Women's Alliance Club where she would form lifetime sisterhoods with many cherished Panis. She had many talents and passions such as cooking, baking, sewing, fashionista, berry/mushroom picking, gardening, shopping, and decorating her home. Kazia's greatest attributes were kindness and generosity, her home was open to everyone, she was happiest entertaining and made sure you enjoyed her delicious polish traditional food (including perogies and famous poppyseed cake) and your glass was full of a spirit.

Kazia's biggest love was her beautiful grandchildren, Jordan, Jake, McKenna & Jacy. Babcia couldn't wait for their visits to Red Lake every summer to spoil them. They love their Babcia dearly.

Kazia's Catholic faith and church were paramount, her favourite day was Sunday when she would go to church to pray, sing in the choir, and be with her church family. She survived a stroke in 2018, and a special thank you to Chris (Weisa) James, Barb Wilgosh, Chris & Lori Kaluzny and Janette Harapiak for helping us during this difficult time.  Kazia was transferred from Red Lake to London, Ontario for her family to take care of her, and then experienced dementia over the last couple of years. We were so blessed to have the last few years to spend quality time with our Mama/Babcia as a family and create special and fun memories. We have lost the monarch of our family who cannot be replaced.

Kazia is happy to be back home in the community she loved. Visitation and vigil service will be held on Thursday, December 19th from 7 to 9 pm in the Red Lake Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, December 20th at 11 am in St. John the Apostle Catholic Church with Father Justin Eze officiating. Interment will follow in the Red Lake Cemetery.

Donations can be made to St. John the Apostle Catholic Church or the Heart and Stroke Foundation through the Red Lake Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 237, Red Lake, ON P0V 2M0.

Special thanks also to Earls Court Village Long Term Care for taking such great care of our dear Kazia.