It is with profound sorrow that I announce the passing of my daughter, Dee-Anne Kielczewski, 57, of Thunder Bay, Ont., on July 21, 2014.
Dee passed away after struggling for eight months with lung cancer.
Dee-Anne was born June 19, 1957 in Fort Frances, Ont., the first-born to Bev Dawkins and the late Harry Darechuk.
Dee’s education began at Huffman School, on to Robert Moore, and then her first year of high school as a charter student of Westfort High. She graduated from Fort Frances High School in 1975 and returned the following year to improve her commercial skills.
Dee continued her education at Confederation College in Thunder Bay but, due to health reasons, was unable to complete her program.
On May 18, 1984 in Fort Frances, Dee married Raymond Kielczewski. Together they raised Jennifer, Amy, and Ashlee.
Dee-Anne is survived by her husband, Ray; and daughters, Jennifer Godden (Mike), Amy Kielczewski, and Ashlee McLeod.
Dee’s joy was multiplied with the birth of each grandchild. Spencer, Keirra, Rhyan, Marlo, Lilly, William, and Patrick each held a very special place in their grandma’s heart.
She also is survived by her mother, Beverley Dawkins; siblings, Tom Darechuk (Loreen), Tammy Riordon (John), and Jim Darechuk of Santa Monica, Calif.; and her special Auntie and Uncle, Arlene and Lloyd Hoffman.
Dee celebrated being an Auntie to Nicole, Sheena, Brittany, Marc, and Mitchell. From the time they were born, Dee loved and celebrated each of their milestones.
Dee-Anne was predeceased by her dad, Harry, on May 31, 1991; brother, Terry, on March 21, 2012; maternal grandparents, Harold and Rhoda Garton; paternal grandparents, Alex and Katie Darechuk; father- and mother-in-law, Paul and Marg Kielczewski; nephew, Adam, on Feb. 3, 1984; and step-father, Dwaine “Doc” Dawkins in 2000.
Dee-Anne was admired for her sewing abilities that we all came to depend on (teddy’s ear was saved). Her home-decorating talents were evident in both her home and mine (Loreen’s, too).
Dee’s culinary skills were enjoyed each time she entertained her family and friends. Her love of gardening was obvious in all her homes and Crowe Island was no exception.
Dee’s first trip to Crowe Island was at 10 days old, where she slept soundly in a padded dresser drawer. Every summer from birth was spent on Crowe with her brothers and sister making precious childhood memories.
As her family grew, they, too, shared beautiful summers on our paradise island. She was eager to share this beauty and make new memories with her grandchildren, Spencer and Keirra.
Dee-Anne has faced many challenges in her lifetime but as one long-time friend stated: “Dee was like the Energizer bunny and met all challenges head-on.”
In the last few days, our family has been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love, admiration, and respect they held for Dee.
To honour Dee-Anne, a private service will be held in Thunder Bay.
The Cord
We are connected,
My child and I
By an invisible cord,
Not seen by the eye.
It’s not like the cord
That connects us ’til birth
This cord can’t be seen
By any on Earth.
This cord does its work
right from the start
It binds us together
Attached to my heart.
I know that its there
Though no one can see
The invisible cord
From my child to me.
The strength of this cord
It’s hard to describe
It can’t be destroyed
It can’t be denied.
It’s stronger than any cord
Man could create
It withstands the test
Can hold any weight.
And though you are gone
Though you’re not here with me,
The cord is still there
But no one can see.
It pulls at my heart
I am bruised…I am sore
But this cord is my lifeline
As never before.
I am thankful that God
Connects us this way
A Mother and Child
Death can’t take away.
I will miss you my precious daughter, my friend.
Loving you always, your mom.
