Where Food, Drinks & Stories Are Shared

Jadwiga Elliott

June 3, 1923 - September 26, 2017
Portage, MI

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Service

Saturday, September 30, 2017
10:30 AM EDT
St. Monica Catholic Church
4408 South Westnedge Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 345-4389
Web Site

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Rose Arbor Hospice
5473 Croyden Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49006
(269) 345-8910
Driving Directions
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Formerly of St. Petersburg, FL. Age 94, died peacefully at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence on September 26, 2017.

Jadwiga Antonina Elliott was born June 3, 1923 in Krakow, Poland, the daughter of Wojslaw and Helena (Raczynski) Wolanski. Her warm family experience was disrupted when she turned 16, just prior to the start of World War II. She and her family were deported to a Siberian forced labor camp where she endured significant hardships working 18 hour days on meager rations. After the Russians joined the Allied side, Jadwiga and her family were relocated by the British to Uganda where she met her husband, Geoff, who was working in the forestry service there. Two sons were born in Uganda, Robert and Christopher, and then in the 1950’s the family relocated to Geoff’s home in England. After raising their sons, she and Geoff relocated to Flint, MI to be closer to Jadwiga’s aging mother and other family members who had immigrated to Michigan. Jadwiga worked at the International Institute working to foster cultural understanding among many ethnic groups. After Jadwiga’s mother passed away, she and Geoff remained in the US but chose the warmer climate of Florida. After more than 27 years in Florida, Jadwiga moved once again to Michigan to be closer to her remaining Michigan family.

Jadwiga’s strong belief in the goodness of God, helped her through the many difficult times of her life. She was passionate about music and sharing culture here in Michigan as well as in Florida. She was always on the lookout for ways to help an ailing neighbor or friend – someone who needed transportation to or from a doctor’s office, or a smile to help brighten their day. Jadwiga was a beloved sister, daughter, wife, mother, aunt and caring friend. She will be missed by many.

Jadwiga was preceded in death by her husband, Geoff Elliott and by 3 siblings. Surviving are 2 sons: Robert and Christopher Elliott; 3 grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Cremation will take place. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday (Sept. 30) 10:30am at St. Monica Catholic Church. Burial will take place at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Flint. Please visit Jadwiga’s personal web page at www.BetzlerFuneralHome.com, where you can read her story, archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Rose Arbor Hospice. Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Dr. Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900