01/17/2026
Mississauga’s Polish community mourns the loss of Jerzy (George) Kowalczyk, a local builder and patriot who devoted much of his life to Canada’s Polonia.
Arguably his greatest legacy was his building of Wawel Villa Seniors’ Residence at 880 Clarkson Rd. S., which opened in 1982 to serve aging Second World War veterans. Built in their honour, Wawel Villa became a safe, affordable, and culturally sensitive home for Polish seniors across the GTA. Mr. Kowalczyk served for many years as its administrator.
Many early residents were decorated veterans, including Col. Boleslaw Orlinski, a close friend. Fulfilling Orlinski’s dream, Kowalczyk co-founded the Museum and Archives of the Polish Armed Forces (the Orlinski Museum) in 2002 and later led its incorporation as a non-profit. In 2022, he received Heritage Mississauga’s Cultural Heritage Award.
He was generous with his knowledge, mentorship, and friendship—leaving all who met him inspired to carry these stories forward. We will forever miss George Kowalczyk, his stories and his bright personality.
For more remembrances of Mr. George Kowalczyk, see link in bio. Rest in Peace, George! You will be missed!