Vanessa Burzynski

7/24/2019

Passed away peacefully at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday July 24, 2019 at the age of 55 years.

Born in Poland, daughter of Halina and Czeslaw. Lovingly remembered by husband of 33 years Tom, her children Michael and Taya, and her two loving cats Bolek & Lolek. Dear sister to Ania and Jurek. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Vanessa lived for family and the company of all her loved ones. She was always prepared with a warm greeting, a meal and a story to tell. She was an avid traveller with her husband; from seeing the mountains of Poland, the coasts of Bali and the sacred sites of Peru.

Vanessa was an angel amongst us and will be greatly missed by many of whose lives she’s touched.

A special thanks to the staff within the ICU of Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital for their compassion and exceptional care.

The family has organized a Celebration of Life at Royal Botanical Gardens on Friday, September 13th, from 6pm to 9pm. Further details are provided at this RSVP link for those planning to attend. We are grateful for all those who have reached out and provided support to our family during this difficult time and we hope to see you September 13th.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oakville Hospital Foundation.

43 Comments

Testimonials

"I just wanted to say how pleased we were with the help you guys provided to us. I was very nervous about the whole situation however you made us feel very comfortable and at ease. Very professional yet personal, no pressure just quality service. We are recommending you guys every chance we get” Mary

“Hi Shawn, just taking a moment finally to express my gratitude on the wonderful services you have provided thus far. Your staff (Lisa) has been wonderful with everything. A true professional and very empathetic and compassionate to our loss. She did an amazing job in preparing mom for our intimate viewing. Mom looked exactly how she would've if still with us. I was so pleased to see how perfect everything was.” Carlo

“Thank you so much I not sure if you are told enough but you truly are amazing for what you do the help you give the relief you give people after losing a loved one I want to thank you.”

“Shawn, please accept our thanks for making the cremation process simple and dignified. You could not have been any more helpful and I am very grateful for your ‘virtual’ presence.”

“Once again, thank you so much for your kind service on behalf of myself and her family, we thank you for making a difficult time seamless”

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Yulia Salkovsky

7/25/2019 04:14:56 pm

I knew Vanessa for many years as we've shared the same floor @ work for many years. We've talked about life, kids, travel. She was always friendly, pleasant, fashionable, optimistic, loved life, her house remodeling and decoration. I cannot imagine she's gone...
My words cannot fully express the sorrow I feel after learning about the death of your beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt. My thoughts are with your whole family. She was truly an incredible woman, full of love, sincerity, and joy. She will be immensely missed. May you take comfort in the love of friends and family during this difficult time.

Kam Leong

7/25/2019 04:50:10 pm

My deepest condolences to you and your family during this time. Your wife was an amazing woman and she will truly be missed!!!

Evelyn Koch

7/25/2019 05:22:53 pm

Wishing you and your family strength during this difficult time. We will truly miss Vanessa's cheery demeanor around the office. She was interested in everyone and lived life to the fullest, travelling to so many exotic parts of the world. Wishing you comfort and peace, my sincere condolences.

Mary Proc

7/25/2019 06:19:22 pm

Vanessa impressed everyone with her wisdom kindness, and curiosity. We are better for having known her, and will miss her bright spark.

Jay Dziecielski

7/25/2019 08:25:52 pm

I'm so sorry to hear this. You and Wiesia will always be part of my life. We haven't seen each other for a while, but let me know if you want to get together again. Talk about the good old times. I lost my family 5 years ago (not the same way you did). Trzymaj sie. Jeszcze duzo czasu przed Toba.

Luiza Sadowski

7/25/2019 08:49:39 pm

Vanessa was always a joy to be around. I would often run into her at work and she would always make time to stop and catch up with me and see how I was doing. I really enjoyed going out for coffee with her and getting her advice on life and travels. She was a genuine friend to me. I’m really saddened to hear this news. My sincerest condolences go out to her family and children. She always spoke so highly of her family and how incredibly proud she was of her kids. I enjoyed hearing about her travels with her husband. I always looked up to a Vanessa. She really inspired me and made a difference in my life. She will be incredibly missed!

Helen Demeny and Peter Keun

7/26/2019 07:16:59 am

Vanessa was a warm person that I have known for almost 30 years. She was always able to make me laugh and always kept in touch, though we were literally oceans apart. She loved and enjoyed her family and friends, their new house and her life. It is hard to understand that such a bright star has left us, but she will never be forgotten. Thanks Vanessa for being a friend. You will be missed. Our thoughts and praryers are will your family.

Sandra Ali

7/26/2019 08:25:41 am

Vanessa, you will always live in my memories. You were a great friend to me. I enjoyed our daily commute to the office when you were in Brampton. Can’t believe that I won’t ever see you again. My heart is broken for you. What I wouldn't do to have one last coffee with you to catch up one more time! I know that you lived life to the fullest. Gone too soon. Love you always my friend. My condolences to Tom, Taya and Michael and the rest of the family.

Bonnie Nedd

7/26/2019 08:28:29 am

Vanessa was a dear friend who made me laugh, every trip she took would be followed by a detailed coffee chat so I could live vicariously through her. I've missed our train rides to and from work when she left Brampton and our walks to the lake. We started our company around the same time and her friendly demeanor immediately connected us, she will be truly missed.

Anita Goncalves

7/26/2019 08:41:21 am

Vanessa was a great person and I loved talking with her about her about her family and renovation stories. She always willing to listen and she had a knack for making me happy. She was a rainbow in my worklife. When I moved locations, and would stop every now and then at her workplace, she always greeted me and spoke to as if we had unsaid conversation from the day before. She always remember our conversations. I'm going to miss you Vanessa. I'm going to miss your smile and your finesse for life! Rest in Peace Angel.

Christine Fandrich

7/26/2019 09:05:34 am

Vanessa was one of a kind. She was vivacious and kind. I enjoyed listening to the stories about her life and hearing about her family, Tom, Michael, and Taya. From her home renovations to her cats to her exciting trips and family events.
Vanessa remembered every detail about everyone she met. She was thoughtful, fearless, and incredibly honest (she would say what all of us were thinking, when none of us were brave enough to do so).
I met her when I was a student and had just started my career. We became fast friends and I loved catching up over coffee or a walk along the shore or chatting on the train. She always sat one car past the accessibility coach.
She was a fighter and saw the world for what it was. I admired her and she will be missed by the many people who had the opportunity to know her.
Thanks for being your amazing self Vanessa, you will be missed.

Cindy Philp

7/26/2019 10:51:18 am

I am saddened and shocked to hear of the passing of Vanessa. I worked with her for many years and I've always enjoyed time spent with her. My condolence to the entire family.

Debbie Harnum

7/26/2019 11:50:17 am

Vanessa was such a funny, dedicated, loyal, honest and straight forward person. I had the pleasure of meeting Vanessa through work (Trow), developing a friendship and working with her for several years. I watched her grow, have children and move on to Metrolinks. I will always remember our dinner nights at Vanessa's house when she fed us her delicious perogies and when she came up north for our Annual Girls Weekends!
I'm so sorry that Vanessa left us so early. My deepest condolences to Tom, Michael, Taya and her family. My thoughts are with you.

John Dieter

7/26/2019 12:48:31 pm

My deepest condolences to Vanessa's family and colleagues. She was a great person to work with and will be remembered.

Mathew

7/26/2019 01:48:18 pm

I have known Vanessa since 2008, both as a colleague and as my train buddy. I have fond memories of her. She made the otherwise mundane GO Train commute really enjoyable with her stories. She was such a wonderful person and truly missed. She has gone to a wonderful place to be with our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. Prayers for her soul and the bereaved family.

Joan Engineer

7/26/2019 02:28:44 pm

Vanessa had a wonderful sense of humour and an such an inquisitive nature. There was no one else like her - she was truly one of a kind.

I am so happy she got to see so much of the world before she passed. She filled every minute of every day.

My heart goes out to Tom, Michael and Taya - may happy memories comfort you.

Gail Stephenson

7/26/2019 03:41:32 pm

Vanessa, you were taken from this earth far too soon. I had the pleasure of working with Vanessa at Trow many years ago and enjoyed everything about her. She had a beautiful soul, made those around her feel happy and important. She had spunk, passion, energy and a caring heart and lived her life with integrity, compassion and kindness. I will never forget her. My thoughts go to Tom, Michael and Taya, I am so very sorry for your loss.

corina vana

7/26/2019 05:24:21 pm

This came as a shock to me! I haven’t seen Vanessa in a while and I cannot believe she’s not with us anymore.... Beside being colleagues, she was also my neighbor for a while. Her warm and friendly approach was always comforting and special. She had such a good heart and she loved people and put a lot of interest in their stories.
You will be dearly missed, pretty lady, and your laugh and joie de vivre will be always remembered.

Travel easy, beautiful soul! You came in my dreams last night and you were joyful and very fashionable as always! I take this as a sign you are now in a peaceful place....

Tom, Michael and Taya - our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great loss. May you find comfort in the beautiful memories you built together.

God bless you all!
Corina, Ruxandra and Raluca

Tina Margaris

7/26/2019 08:19:20 pm

Dear Taya- My deepest condolences on the passing of your dear mother. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Gordon Thom

7/27/2019 10:09:11 am

Truly saddened and shocked to hear of Vanessa's passing. Very hard to imagine that lovely force of nature that enlighten our days for so many years to be gone. Who could not enjoyed time spent with her with such an energy and zest for life easy to bring a smile to your face.
Our deepest condolences to the entire family, she lives on in all of us.

Margaret Drozdiuk

7/27/2019 01:20:52 pm

Drogi Tomku, Michael i Taya,
Proszę przyjmijcie moje głębokie wyrazy ubolewania po stracie Wiesi. Ta wiadomość bardzo mnie zasmuciła.
Wiesia była moja koleżanka w pracy, zawsze otwarta na pomoc, rozmowę, dobra radę. Podczas naszych rozmów na spacerze nad jeziorem poznałam Ja bliżej. Wiesia bardzo kochała swoją rodzine. Ciebie Tomku, była dumna z Michała, jego osiągnięć zawodowych. Z Taya, ze tak dobrze radziła sobie na studiach a potem znalazła dobra prace.
Pamietam jak Wiesia często w lunch dzwoniła do swojej mamy za która napewno ogromnie tęskniła z Kanady.
Zawsze podziwiałam Wiesie, ze miała tyle energii, potrafiła z taka łatwością zjednać sobie ludzi, pogodzić życie zawodowe, rodzinne, podróże po dalekim świecie i jeszcze mieć czas na prace społeczna. Będę zawsze pamiętać jej promienny uśmiech. Niech odpoczywa w pokoju. Jeżeli mogę zaoferować jakąkolwiek pomoc, proszę nie wahać się ze mną skontaktować.
Łącze się w smutku i modlitwie.

P.S.
Będę wdzięczna jeżeli mogę pożegnać Wiesie osobiście. Proszę dać znać kiedy odbędzie się pogrzeb.

Dear Tom, Michael and Taya,

Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your wonderful Vanessa. Vanessa was my dear friend at work. I got to know her better while walking by the lake during our lunch breaks. She was such a loving wife and mother. She adored you all. She was so full of energy, able to make friends and connect with people. I'm so grateful and will always remember Christmas lunches she organized for our Polish community of co-workers. I will miss her sweet smile.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Andrew Kellman

7/27/2019 02:00:11 pm

Our deepest condolences to all of you on the passing of, Vanessa, A loving wife and mother who lived life to its fullest by travelling to places around the world with Tom. The pictures and stories of the travels where enjoyed by many.

I know your co-workers from Beatrice - Parmalat are thinking about all of you at this time and sending extended condolences.

Phil and Mary DeGregorio

7/27/2019 06:21:46 pm

We would like to extend our condolences to Tom and his family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Phil and Mary DeGregorio and Family

Paul & Janice Manna

7/28/2019 05:57:26 pm

I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Taya in the summer of 2013 on a Metrolinx project. During our time on the project, she told me about her family and her mother Vanessa, who worked for Metrolinx. We quickly became friends. As the project came to a completion and Taya resumed her studies, we still maintained our friendship.

In December of 2013, the ice storm of the century hit the GTA. My neighbourhood lost power for six days....including Christmas Day. To my surprise, a call came from Vanessa on Christmas Eve inviting me and my family for Christmas dinner. I had not met Vanessa before, but I already knew that she was not going to take no for an answer. It was the best Christmas dinner we ever had.

Vanessa, you taught me something about friendship....you didn't know me or my family but yet you invited us into your home unconditionally. You will never know how much that home-cooked Christmas meal meant.

Vanessa, you left us far too early. You touched a lot of people who are proud to call you their friend.

Elizabeth Reyes

7/29/2019 09:01:56 am

My deepest condolences to family and friends. I have known Vanessa through work many years ago (TROW). She was always very cheerful, full of energy and beautiful inside and out.
Vanessa, you left us too soon. You will be dearly missed. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace.
Elizabeth

Anna Filice

7/29/2019 10:18:57 am

My deepest condolences to your family on the loss of Vanessa. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Dasa Resendes and Scott Cryer

7/29/2019 01:50:28 pm

Dear Tom,
it was with a great shock and deep sense of sadness that I learned of Vanessa's passing. I will never forget her ready smile, her love of life.
Our deepest condolences to you, Micheal and Taya.

John Forestieri

7/29/2019 01:56:24 pm

Vanessa started with GO Transit in 2006 and quickly became an integral part of the team. I found Vanessa to be very approachable and her professionalism was reflected in her interaction with colleagues and consultants. With her customer driven outlook, Vanessa was always seeking ways of making things better for her customers. I know that she will be truly missed.
My deepest condolences to you and your family during this time.

Dong Zhao

7/29/2019 02:18:15 pm

I'm shocked and saddened by Vanessa's passing. Words can not describe what I am feeling. My deepest condolences to the entire family.

Rob Marhong

7/30/2019 07:25:03 am

Vanessa and I were in the same department, so we attended meetings and collaborated with each other.
Vanessa loved reading and would often suggest or bring me books to read.

she cared about things that were affecting me in life and offered support...

She was a Light.....

So in our ...
Sadness - I wish Comfort
in Darkness - Light
In despair - Hope
and in Death .... Eternal Life...

You will live forever in our hearts...

Rob

Amanda Henriques

7/30/2019 07:46:54 am

My sincerest condolences to the entire family. Vanessa will be missed.

Mary Misevski

7/30/2019 08:39:52 am

Tom, Michael & Taya. My deepest and sincerest condolences for your loss. I met Vanessa on the GO train years ago and we became friends instantly. Our trips into work and back home were always filled with laughter and long conversations about our families and lives. With her big heart, she touched many lives and I'm grateful to have known her. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May the memories of your wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt & friend provide you with the comfort you need during this time. Rest in peace Vanessa.

Coleen McCartney

7/30/2019 09:31:32 am

Truly shocked to hear of your passing. You always greeted me with a warm smile and we'd stop to chit chat about this and that. Our convo always ended in giggles as off we went back to work. I shall not forget you or your zest for life.

Hugs to your family.

Tom Burzynski

7/31/2019 08:10:15 am

On behalf of my family I would like to thank everyone for such wonderful touching to tears comments. We are working on getting a place for Celebration of Life for Vanessa on September 13 Friday In Royal Botanical Garden In Burlington,once we confirm we will post details.

Kanishk

7/31/2019 02:22:04 pm

I met Vanessa last year when I was a Co-op Student. Although our time together was only 4 months, we had many great memories. She would constantly reach out during breaks and have long discussions about her travel stories, her family and more. Vanessa was a very happy and kind person who constantly made my day through her positive energy. I am very saddened and shocked to hear of her passing. My deepest and sincere condolences to her family and close friends. I will miss her greatly and remember her as a joyous person.

Ashley Gilbert

8/1/2019 11:07:06 am

Vanessa and I worked together for the past 7 years. During that time we became very good friends having many common interests and sharing family stories. I will miss her cheerful outgoing nature, her guidance on life and family and so much more. I am honored and blessed to have known Vanessa.

My sincerest condolences go out to all of Vanessa's family and friends.

We will never forget you Vanessa and you will always be in our hearts!

Arthur Fidera

8/1/2019 10:36:14 pm

I am very saddened and shocked by Vanessa’s passing. She was an energetic, funny, honest and trustworthy person and a dear colleague. We’ve shared many laughs over the 8 years that I’ve known her. My deepest condolences to Tom, her children and the rest of her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Schiopu family

8/3/2019 04:42:40 pm

Sending the most sincere condolences on the loss of such a beautiful person both inside and out. Our hearts go out to Tom, Michael and Taya. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Stay strong for each other and may the wonderful memories you have of Vanessa keep her spirit alive. Rest in peace Vanessa.

Urszula & Jerzy Paszun

8/3/2019 06:12:53 pm

Dear Tom!
Just learned today that Wiesia passed away a few days ago.
We are completely in shock and can't believe it. I remember her as we met at my house just a few months ago and she was so cheery and happy. She will always be remembered as that.
Our deepest condolences to you,Tanya and Michael.
Laczyme sie w smutku i modlitwie.
Rest in peace Wiesia!

Malcolm Taylor

8/12/2019 08:54:53 am

I'm saddened by the loss. I was fortunate to have worked with Vanessa for the past decade, and our discussions were lively. Her commitment and interest were genuine.
My condolences to her family and friends.

Irina and Mohamed Ksara

8/12/2019 05:55:36 pm

We worked closely together with Vanessa, sharing common goals and interests. We have so many fond memories of all the good times at work. Anyone who met Vanessa knew that she was very special, loved by all who knew her and she will be missed by all of us.
Our deepest condolences to Tom, Michael, Taya and the rest of the family.

Moerman Freek

8/19/2019 12:56:15 pm

Sorry for your loss

John Davis

9/12/2019 09:20:30 pm

Tom, Michael and Taya, & Ania and Jurek
I’ve been shocked and saddened by the passing of Vanessa
We worked together sporadically during her first few years, both part of Engineering but at different locations. Later we worked together a couple of years on the same floor as part of Standards but for the last several years more sporadically again from different groups.
Vanessa was always helpful, practical, positive minded and outgoing. Her memory is a steadfast reminder of her Love for Family and her Love for Life - she will always live on and I look forward in the hope of meeting her again in the life to come.

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