​Katherine Burek, formerly of Kincardine, dies at the age of 91

Kazimiera (Katherine) Burek (Chędoga), formerly of Kincardine, died peacefully at Woodingford Lodge Long-Term Care Facility in Woodstock, April 9, 2025, after a brief illness. She was in her 92nd year.

Kazimiera was born in Poland, near the city of Stanisławów, in the area of Podłuźe (now part of the Ukraine), July 12, 1932. She, along with her parents and two of her siblings, were sent to labour camps in Siberia during the Second World War. Her father and two siblings did not survive.

Once the war ended, survival depended on them staying one step ahead of the new communist regime. After some harrowing experiences travelling through Europe and Asia, the group of refugees found themselves in Persia. It was here that Kazimiera lost her mother to typhoid.

She was accepted into a Christian orphanage for Polish children. Eventually, the group found refuge in Eastern Africa. Here, they thrived as Kazimiera became a teenager and spent many hours enjoying her new found sisterhood. With the help of Pope Pius XII, the group of Polish orphans was eventually given refuge in Canada.

The group landed in Montreal where Kazimiera took a job as a housekeeper for a young doctor and his family. The family treated her like a daughter and helped return some sense of peace back to her young life. It was during her time in Montreal when she met her eventual husband, Ludwig Burek. The two ultimately settled in Kitchener, Ontario, where they raised their family. Upon retiring, they settled in Point Clark and eventually moved to Trillium Court Seniors’ Community in Kincardine.

Kazimiera is predeceased by her husband of 69 years, Ludwig Burek. She is also predeceased by her parents, Tadeusz and Katarzyna; and seven siblings, Franciszek, Helena, Stanislaw, Jan, Stephania, Mieczysław, and Jan.

She is forever cherished by her children, Richard (Lyne), Irene (Dean), Steve (Brenda), and James (Julie).

Babcia will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Kevin (Natalie), Jason, Adam (Leanne), Craig (Danielle), Aaron, Nicole (Cody), Jackson, and Jacob; and forever missed by her great-grandchildren, Bradley, Ethan, Emma, and Oliver.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, Kincardine, Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 11 a.m.

Interment, Kincardine Cemetery.

The Burek family extends deepest appreciation to the staff at Trillium Court in Kincardine, and the staff of Woodingford Lodge Long-Term Care Facility in Woodstock. Additional appreciation to the staff at the South Bruce Grey Health Centre in both Kincardine and Chesley.

Portrait and memorial on-line at the Davey-Linklater Funeral Home; www.daveylinklaterfuneralhome.com.