Obituary of Leocadia Dybizbanski

DYBIZBANSKI- Leocadia "Charlotte" Dybizbanski, late of Shellbrook, SK. passed away in Shellbrook Hospital on Decemeber 13, 2007 at the age of 95 years. Leocadia (Charlotte) Dybizbanski came into this world on November 20, 1912 in Biadaczew, Poland, of German descent. She was the oldest of three girls born to Rudolf and Blondine (nee Heimlich) Meissner. Leocadia and her sister Gertrude were under 10 years of age when their mother and infant sister passed away. This loss stayed with her throughout her life. Shortly after her father remarried and two more daughters (Eugena and Klara) were born. The family lived on a farm near the town of Zloczew, Poland. Since there were no sons, Leocadia had to help with farm chores prior to walking several kilometers to school each morning, which usually made her late for classes. Despite this, Leocadia managed to complete her education and even go on to receive her seamstress certificate. Leocadia was fluent in both Polish and German. Leocadia and sister Gertrude opened their own seamstress shop and school in Burzenin, Poland. Leocadia suffered another tragic loss, that of her sister Gertrude. She closed shop and took a position in town office in Zloczew, being nearer to her family. War broke out, sometime during this time Leocadia took a position in another town office, Wielun - doing paperwork for enlisting soldiers. This was short lived - the family received orders for immediate evacuation because of a bomb threat. Her family fled to Wernigerode, Germany, first. Leocadia was left to pack the family belongings and follow by herself. This trip was trying for Leocadia - it was very long, mid-winter and very cold. Upon arriving in Wernigerode, all the belongings were stolen and Leocadia was fighting a serious head cold to which they thought she might not recover. In Werngerode she met a soldier named Waclaw Dybizbanski. They married in 1945 and in 1947 their first daughter Ursula was born. They lived in camp (Lager) Vilno in Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany, until they emigrated to Canada. Waclaw emigrated first in 1949 by ship. Leocadia and Ursula followed later by ship - landing in Halifax on January 19, 1950, saying goodbye to 38 years in Europe. The family lived in Smiths Falls, Ontario for a short time then moved to Toronto. The need for a more peaceful life brought them to Leocadia's Uncle August Heimlich's farm in Shellbrook. Leocadia bought a quarter of land and here they started their new life. In February 1953 the loss of her Uncle August brought another tragedy, but the joy of a second daughter, Dagmar arriving in May 1953 made everything more bearable. In 1975 Leocadia became a Canadian citizen making her feel like she belonged after her life of disruption and losses. Leocadia never asked for much, all she wanted was a happy family life and to be on her farm. She lived there till the end. Leocadia was always the one to look after the chores, new born calves, pigs, turkeys, chickens and baby geese who usually adopted her and followed her around and 'gaggled' to her. She also milked cows, made butter and sold cream. She loved animals and was never without a dog or cat, even to the end she had her housecat. Leocadia was a good cook, her wild goose, stuffed oysters and chocolate cakes were exceptional. One of Leocadia's greatest loves was nature - she was close to God then. She loved her large garden, her flowers, her trees and spent endless hours in her yard which was always so peaceful and beautiful. She also fixed on her house and had other wood projects on the go. Leocadia had a wonderful imagination and could bring beauty to most everything she laid her hands on. Being a talented seamstress, Leocadia made her own patterns for clothes for her daughters and herself. She would remodel old clothes and make them stylist. She would even add that extra something to newly bought clothes, making them more elegant. Leocadia would knit, crochet, do needlework under lamplight after she had done all, the chores. Leocadia mastered the English language on her own. Throughout her life she was knowledgeable in world affairs and cultures. Later in life she loved watching TV especially documentary programs, fine arts and never missed the news. Leocadia was a good singer and dancer. She played violin and guitar. Music was with her while growing up - her father was a well educated man, who made instruments, played violin and trumpet and conducted his own orchestra. Leocadia would accompany her father and the orchestra to the celebrations and dances he played at. Music faded away as farm life took over. Leocadia loved children and they returned that love. She loved company, was very understanding, empathetic and compassionate. She was a very stately, elegant lady. She withstood adversity in her life and still kept her softness and grace. She was shy and reserved but strong and knew what she wanted. In her last hours she demonstrated grace and strength. Most of all, Leocadia loved her family and wanted the best for us. Her family's happiness was important and she was proud of everyone of us. How lucky and thankful we are to be guided in life by such a beautiful, elegant and graceful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. We miss you, we love you dearly. Schlaft gut, Mama. Bis spater. Leocadia will be lovingly remembered by; her two daughters; --Ursula (Alvin) Schmalz of Shellbrook, SK. and their children, - Dean (Erin) Schmalz and their daughter, Delaney of P.A., -Deanne Schmalz and her children, Noah and Haegan of Shellbrook -Dana (Kyle) Pfeil of Saskatoon, --Dagmar (Bill) Block of Shellbrook, SK. and their children, Corwin (Carrie) Block and their son, Brindin of Lloydminster, Boyd (Sara) Block and their children, Casey and Hailey of Medicine Hat, Heidi (Robert) MacRoberts of Saskatoon; Two half-sisters; Klara Manz and Eugena Baron both of Germany. Only relatives in Canada are 1st Cousins; Edith (Arnold) Ferster of Saskatoon, Ruth (Arthur) Smith of Ottawa, also nieces and nephews in Germany. Charlotte was predeceased by; Her husband; Waclaw Dybizbanski, her parents; Rudolf and Blondine (nee: Heimlich) Meissner, her step-mother, Josephine Voda, Sisters; Melanie in infancy and Gertrude Meissner, an uncle, August Heimlich, Aunt Martha Geisse. The Celebration of Life was on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 in the Shellbrook Senior's Hall at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Doug Schmirler as celebrant. The Eulogist was Deanne Schmalz. The Honorary Pallbearers were "All of Leocadia's family and friends who knew and loved her." The Organist was David Hjertaas. Special taped music - Schnee waltz, Rosamunde, Heidi. In lieu of other tributes memorial donations may be made to the Shellbrook and Districts Health Services Project. The interment of the cremated remains will be at a later date.