It is with deep sadness that the family of Halina Karman, age 64 years, announce her passing on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at home after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born in Poznan, Poland on March 11, 1952 to Rosalia and Stanislaw Kowalak. Halina specialized in Business before beginning her career in Sales, and later in Tourism. In 1974, Halina was invited by her Uncle, Frank Dudziak, to come to Thunder Bay for a vacation. Here she met and married the love of her life, Bohdan, in 1975. They had two daughters together, Sally and Monica. She was a devoted homemaker, that loved and cared for her family. Halina and Bohdan were married for 31 years, and loved each other dearly. Bohdan sadly passed away in 2007.
Halina loved to read everything from her cookbooks, gardening magazines, Polish novels to English written works. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, tending to her vegetable and flower gardens for many years, going on bike rides and walks, knitting and crocheting, going on drives to the country side and relaxing near water. She was a devoted member of St. Casimir's parish since coming to Canada.
In her early days of being in Thunder Bay, before getting her driver's license, she would walk to Church often. She belonged to the Living Rosary group along with being a member of the Parish Council and Decorating Committee for many years, and was a Lector and a Psalmist for Masses. Halina always had fond memories of her Homeland and recalled many stories and incidences from her life in Poland. This is where she instilled the love of Poland, and its culture and heritage to her daughters. She visited Poland twice more in her lifetime. Halina always kept a close-knit family and enjoyed doing many things together with them, whether it was going out or staying home.
Halina was very proud of her children, and their accomplishments. She enjoyed Sally's gift of art, and Monica's gift of music. She enjoyed teaching them her many skills and knowledge, and many of life's situations.
In the past few years, Halina was excited to join Monica in her 'geologic expeditions' and a few road trips which always proved to be adventurous and memorable for her. She especially enjoyed the road trip she took with her daughters to Hibbing, Minnesota for a geological conference. In 2016, she was very happy to see her younger daughter Monica get married to her husband Trevor, and welcome him into the family.
Halina fought a very brave battle against her illness the past two years, and passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side. She will be remembered for her friendly, cheerful, and helpful disposition and generous heart. She was a great wife and mother, who provided her family with everything it needed, and more. We are so thankful to the Lord for granting so many graces and blessings upon us.
Halina is survived by, and will be deeply missed by, her daughters Sally and Monica, sister Bogumila Kotlarz, brother-in-law Janek, nieces Ania and Grazyna and friends in Poland, Halina's only cousin in Canada Mary Janicki, her husband Gary, and their children Allyn, Ryan, and Mark, and all her friends in Canada. Halina is predeceased by her husband Bohdan, and parents, Rosalia and Stanislaw Kowalak. Thank you Mama for all the wonderful times we have spent together and all you have taught and shared with us. You will forever be in our hearts. Jezu, Ufam Tobie! Jesus, we Trust in Thee!
Visitation for family and friends for the late Mrs. Halina Karman will be held on Sunday, March 12th, 2017 from 6-8pm, with a prayer service starting at 7pm at St. Casimir's Roman Catholic Church. Funeral Mass for Mrs. Halina Karman will be held on Monday, March 13th, 2017 at 10am with Father Ireneusz Stadler officiating and Father Francisco Blazek concelebrating Holy Mass. Interment to follow in St. Andrew's Cemetery. In lieu of donations, Mass offerings for Halina will be accepted from any Roman Catholic Church.
