JAKUBOWSKI, Elizabeth, born December 17, 1932; died September 20, 2025.
Our dear Aunt Elizabeth passed away of congestive heart failure in her 93rd year at the Hebrew Home in The Bronx, NY. She was sharp until the end, having spoken with one of her nephews the day before her death.
Liz was born on the family farm near Neepawa, Manitoba, the eighth and last child of John Jakubowksi. Her mother, Gladys, was step-mother to Liz’s six older siblings and mother to Liz’s older brother George. She never married, never had children, but what a life she led.
Young Liz left the farm to study nursing in Brandon; a path chosen so she could make a difference with her life. While working in Winnipeg in 1955, Liz saw an ad inviting nurses to apply for positions in New York City. Liz applied, was accepted, and there she enjoyed a 40 year career as a surgical nurse at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. She loved her work and kept in close touch with her nursing friends throughout her life.
Liz was a bright and effervescent woman, quick to laugh, always upbeat. She loved to travel and enjoyed many adventures with her beloved, Russell. Family was always close to her heart and Liz frequently returned to Canada to visit family in Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta. When the physical demands of travel took their toll, frequent phone calls kept Liz in close touch with loved ones.
In 2021, following a stroke, Liz moved - at her request - to the Hebrew Home at Riverdale where she was a beloved member of the patient community. In March 2024 Liz’s contributions to the nursing profession were celebrated at a gala event honouring women who were leaders in business and the community. At the age of 91, Liz was thrilled to have her career achievements acknowledged amongst her friends at the home.
Despite growing infirmities, and the inevitable losses that come with a long life, Liz remained upbeat and engaged. In recent years she maintained close contact with her sisters’ sons in Ontario: Ron March in Creemore and Stanley Molak in Toronto. She always remembered names, was on top of the news of the day, cheered on the New York Yankees, and never failed to ask about her many great-nieces and nephews and their expanding families. She is survived by that wider family and her sister-in-law Mary Jakubowski.
Liz lived life on her own terms. During an era when the choices for rural girls were limited, Liz boldly pursued her own unique and independent path. Elizabeth was loved, and she will be missed.
Spoczywa w pokoju, ciociu.