Obituary of Maria Skorniewska

August 20, 1964 – Wałbrzych, Poland

April 10, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Maria Skorniewska, beloved wife of Janusz Skorniewski and cherished mother of Emilia and Conrad, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the young age of 59 years after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.

Maria was born in Wałbrzych, Poland, on August 20, 1964, and was the youngest of four siblings to Jadwiga and Ilias Molocios. After graduating from Studium po Maturalne with a diploma in Primary Education, Maria taught grade one students for two years and loved being a teacher.

In 1985, shortly after her 21st birthday, Maria and Janusz were introduced. After a year of dating, Janusz proposed, and they exchanged vows in Athens, Greece, on October 17, 1987. The following year, on May 20, 1988, they emigrated from Greece to Canada. Maria and Janusz welcomed their first child, Emilia, on November 7, 1989, and their second child, Conrad, on February 7, 1993.

After coming to Canada, Maria pursued her lifelong passion for plants and flowers, earning her Journeyman in Landscape Gardening from Olds College in 2004. In that same year, she began to work for the City of Calgary Parks. Through her diligent work, she progressed to become a Gardener and then a Foreman. Maria was incredibly ambitious and proud of her career with the City of Calgary Parks and all the projects she took part in. She loved to make people smile and to make their lives a little more beautiful.

Maria was a devoted volunteer, canvassing for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Diabetes Association, and the Cancer and Lung Association for fifteen years. In her free time, Maria loved to bake, garden, and spend time outdoors. Her favourite summer activity was camping with friends and family. She loved to unwind at Lake Koocanusa, which reminded her of the time she and Janusz spent living in Greece. Maria will be most remembered for her radiant smile and unwavering compassion for others. She was an incredible woman who gave her whole self to make others happy and feel appreciated.

Maria is survived by her loving husband Janusz Skorniewski, daughter Emilia, son Conrad, son-in-law Christopher, and daughter-in-law Breanna, all of the greater Calgary area, sister Ania, brother Janek, sister-in-law Jolanta, and their families in Poland and Greece.

Maria was predeceased by her father Ilias, mother Jadwiga, older brother Andrzej, and sister-in-law Bozena.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McInnis & Holloway (Heritage, 1708, 16th Avenue N, across from the North Hill Shopping Centre, Calgary, AB) on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady Queen of Peace Polish Catholic Church (2111 Uxbridge Drive N.W., Calgary, AB) on Monday, April 15, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen's Park Cemetery.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Skorniewska’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Maria’s family here.

In living memory of Maria Skorniewska, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Heritage, 1708 – 16th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 0L7, Telephone: 403-299-0100.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Maria Skorniewska's Funeral Mass