Maria Kepa
December 21, 1922 - September 29, 2017
We are sad to announce the death of our dear friend Maria Kepa. Maria (Mary) or Babcia Kepa as she was also known to us, was born December 31st 1922 and passed away peacefully September 29th 2017.
Maria was born in Bobrowniki Ma1e, Poland and survived much hardship throughout her youth. During the second world war Maria, aged 18 years, along with her parents and seven siblings, was sent to a forced labor camp in Russia. She and her family overcame many obstacles, and later she joined the Polish army. After demobilizing,
Maria and her new husband Mike moved to Canada in 1950. They lived in Alberta and the interior of B.C. and ultimately settled in Nanaimo with their son.
Maria was predeceased by her son Edward in 1979 and her husband Mike in 1996.
Maria was a ray of sunshine to all who knew her. She was always happy, friendly, interested in everyone and generous to a fault. During dinner parties with family and friends she loved to have a glass of 'Vodka', which with a twinkle in her eye she whispered was actually 'goose wine' or water.
The Kepa household was open to friends and family, and always featured good food, a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen and an open heart to all. Everyone who met Maria was struck by her positive outlook, never ending optimism and kindness. Even in her eighties she helped out 'the old folks' and took elderly friends shopping and helped feed friends who lived in long term care facilities. We will miss Babcia Kepa and she will be forever in our hearts and minds.
Prayer service was held at St. Peter's Church October 15, 2017 with Burial next to her husband Mike in Bowen Road Cemetery.
We will hold a celebration of life at the Niewiadomski family home in Nanaimo at 3218 Shearwater Drive on November 18th from 2-5 pm.
All are welcome, please bring your memories, stories and fond recollections of our dear friend, Babcia Kepa.