Lydia Rosalie Krechowicz passed away peacefully on November 20, 2024 at age 66 after a brave battle with cancer. Loving mother of Alex (Laura), she adored her grandchildren and was a dear Baba to Annette and Jakob. Her final moments were spent surrounded by family and close friends.
Lydia was the oldest daughter of Polish immigrants (Stefan and Janina), born into a large family. Cherished sister of Richard (Lynda), Ted (the late Sue Hogan), Kazimir, Eva and Alice (Steve), and beloved aunt of Dana, Jill (Jack) and Regine (Steve), and their children Colin, Mark, Nora and Simon. She is predeceased by her cousin Krystina, who was like an older sister to her. She had many close friends, whom she considered to be like family. She will also be remembered by her extended family and friends.
She was very dedicated to the care and memory of her parents, having moved home to care for them until their deaths. She carried on the legacy of her father, a Polish war veteran, serving for many years as President of Sikorski Neighbourhood Park Inc. She was connected to her parents’ Polish homeland, with many trips to visit extended family, being a talented pierogi maker and she even took Polish classes as an adult. She was devoted to the care of her aunt Irena until her death in 2022.
Lydia (“Big Lyd”) was adventurous and fun loving, with a love of travel and an infectious laugh. She was willing to laugh at herself and her quirks. She was an avid skier for many years including being a ski patroller. She spent many happy summers at the family cottage on Georgian Bay, where she loved the sandy beach.
Lydia was fiercely determined, tough, pragmatic, helpful and independent. She had a varied career and was a savvy businesswoman, beginning in hotel management. Then as she became a mother, she earned a teaching degree and transitioned into self employment in real estate and property management, and supporting small businesses with her accounting skills. She was very handy and industrious, undertaking many renovation projects herself. Ecologically minded, she never wasted anything and loved a good bargain.
The family would like to thank her dedicated group of friends and neighbours for their incredible support during her illness. The family wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to the medical and nursing staff at Lakeridge Health Oshawa for their professionalism and care shown to Lydia and her family. The family would also like to thank her compassionate PSW, Nicole who made each day better in her final months.
Visitation will be held at THORNTON CEMETERY FUNERAL CENTRE, 1200 Thornton Road North, Oshawa, (South of Taunton Road and off of Dryden Blvd, 905-579-6787) on Thursday, November 28, 2024 from 6-8 pm and on Friday November 29, 2024 10 am until time of service in the chapel at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations on Lydia’s behalf will be gratefully accepted for Lung Cancer Canada (https://lungcancercanada.ca/).