<div itemprop="description">It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bernadette Maraj Grzelak, on May 25th 2026. <br> <br>After living with the trials and tribulations of sarcoidosis for 20 years, she underwent a 7 month long, hard fought battle at the Jewish General Hospital. Bernie passed away peacefully, just shy of her 71st birthday, surrounded by her loving family. She will be dearly missed by her beloved husband, John Grzelak; her daughters Kathryn (Matt) and Amanda; her sisters, Mary (Walter), Denise (Steve), Eva (Jose), Dolores (Andre), Roseanne, Karen (Ed), Suzette (Frank); her brother Arnold; her grandchildren, Liam and Cooper; as well as her countless nieces and nephews. <br> <br>Bernadette was born in Couva, Trinidad and moved to Montreal, with her family, at 13 years of age. Only 2 years later, she met her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, John. Despite the young couple’s relationship starting out as an illicit romance, they were unstoppable, and they were determined to be together no matter the roadblocks thrown their way. The two spent much of their time together at Fletcher’s Field, Beaver Lake and Mount Royal. Their favorite destination on dates was the Kontiki Restaurant in the old Mount Royal Hotel. They were married in 1980 and later put together the family they so strongly desired by travelling across the world to China on two separate adventures to adopt their daughters, Kathryn and Amanda. <br> <br>Bernadette was a teacher her whole career. Her dedication to education, caring nature and playfulness were only a few of the reasons why she was adored by her many students. A loving, devoted mother, she was always involved in every aspect of her daughters’ lives as they were growing up. She would volunteer at every event and join the parents committee at every school they attended or sport they were a part of. She made friends everywhere she went as her kindness, warmth, smile and infectious laugh were magnetic. <br>Bernadette had an affinity for playing the piano, could spend hours chatting away on the phone, found joy in going out shopping with her sisters, and cherished moments spent reading to her grandchildren. She constantly showed her love through her wonderful cooking and the way that she truly dedicated her life to her family. <br> <br>Bernadette demonstrated her strength and resilience through every obstacle she faced over the last several months. We will always remember how hard she fought and will be comforted by the fact that she is now at peace and free from any pain. <br> <br>The family will be receiving condolences on Friday, June 5th from 5:00-7:00PM at the Rideau Funeral Home (4275 boul. Des Sources, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, QC) and Saturday, June 6th from 10:00-11:30AM. The ceremony will follow at 11:30AM and the reception will take place immediately after, at 1:00pm in Île-Bizard.</div>
