It is with deepest sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the death and peaceful passing of Zofia Reluga on February 7, 2017 at the age of 86. While battling diabetes for most of her life, she suddenly took ill and died at Vancouver General Hospital.

Zofia was born in a small village of Zegocina in Poland. She was predeceased by her parents, Vincenty and Maria Janiczek; and her beloved husband, Kazimierz; her sisters, Hania Waligora, Helena Mroz; and brother, Stanislaw Janiczek. She is survived by her loving daughters, Maria Reluga and Helen (Reluga) Basso (husband Marty, deceased); her cherished grandson, David Basso; her sister, Stanislawa Janiczek; and many friends.

Zofia lived a full life. She loved to laugh and dance and was the life of a party. She will be remembered by her laugh which echoed through every social event she attended and her vibrant smile was contagious.

Zofia was a courageous soul and a strong willed woman who lived on hope. She was deeply grounded in her faith from which she drew all her strength. Zofia was an ever devoted Catholic and a long time member of St. Mary’s Our Lady Queen of Poland Roman Catholic Church in Thunder Bay. Although she spent most of her living years in Thunder Bay, she moved out to Vancouver (2005) with her sister, Stella after the passing of her late husband (2004), in order to be with her family. Vancouver became her new home of 11 years. She embraced these years with joy cherishing every moment in the embrace of her family and new friends.

Vigil prayers and funeral mass for the late Mrs. Zofia Reluga will be held in Thunder Bay, Ontario.