Obituary of Helena Kaczmarczyk

KACZMARCZYK, Helena- Passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 17th, 2010 at the St. Catharines General Hospital. Born in Poland, she came to Canada in 1961 to join her husband, Daniel. A passionate artist, she founded the first Polish folk dance groups in Welland, St. Catharines and Hamilton. The Wawel Dancers were very popular, performing in Ontario and touring Canada. Later she founded the Canadiana Dancers who enjoyed equal success. Generations of students adored her commitment and exacting high standards. She made artists of them all. She also taught for decades in the St. Catharines Polish School. She was presented with an Order of Merit by Poland in 1994 for her exceptional contribution to the Polish Community in Canada. She leaves behind her husband, Daniel, her children, Urszula (Robert Fishlock) and Mark (Mathilde Bernard ), her sister Weronika Grabska-Martyniak and her most dearly beloved grandchildren, Evan and Julia Fishlock. Helena is resting at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines. The family will receive visitors on Thursday from 7-9p.m. and Friday from 2-4p.m. & 7-9p.m. Vigil Prayers will take place on Friday at 7p.m. in the funeral home. Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Saturday at 11a.m. Cremation to follow. Memorial donations to a charity of choice would be appreciated by the family.