Grave of the Gilczewski family
[lot C1 176AB ]
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Anastazy GILCZEWSKI
( 1899-1962 )
( 1899-1962 )
Studied law in Warsaw while taking part in the struggle for Poland's independence. Received the Cross and Medal of Independence once the country became free. In 1919, he became a journalist and worked in Katowice where he settled with his family. In 1939 escaped to Romania and then to France where he enrolled in the reconstituted Polish Army. After the fall of France, he made his way to Portugal with his family, then emigrated to Canada, where he worked in several fields, only returning to journalism later in his life. He was also active in Polish organizations, for which he was posthumously awarded the Silver Cross of Merit. Died at age 62.
Anna GILCZEWSKA
born KIRSZTAJN
( 1909-1992 )
born KIRSZTAJN
( 1909-1992 )
Resided in Katowice with her husband, Anastazy Gilczewski, until the outbreak of WWII. Frequently posed for portraits by a famous Polish painter, writer and philosopher, Stanislaw Ignacy Witkiewicz, who considered her his muse. In 1939 she made her way to Paris, and then Lisbon, working for the Polish government-in-exile before moving to Montreal with her husband. In Montreal, she was actively involved in the Polish community, and for many years taught in the Polish "Saturday schools". Widowed in 1962, she moved to Vancouver with her family in 1969, and died there at age 83.