CEP Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada

When I was seven, I was outraged that a woman could not become Pope. I was always curious. I wanted to know everything. The whys and hows. I loved music, especially Handel’s Messiah. I was always fascinated by cars. Had I become an engineer, I might have designed the most revolutionary car of the century. Who knows? On December 6th, 1989, a madman suddenly put an end to my life, merely because I was a woman.

My father was an Anglophone and my mother was a Francophone. At 21, I already spoke fluently four languages. My friends called me Spunki, which referred to my wit. My family thought that this nickname fit me like a glove. I practiced white-water kayaking, climbing and nearly all team sports. I was quite proud of having been accepted on the University’s ski team. I had an acute business sense. I wanted to buy a farm and raise the horse which I had been dreaming of since early childhood. This dream will never come true because on December 6th, 1989, a madman suddenly put an end to my life, merely because I was a woman.

I had dreams, plans, good friends and a deep attachment to my family. I loved to travel, and write poems whenever I was in the mood. I shared everything, my joys and my sorrows with my beloved brother. I dreamt of going to meet him in Africa where he had gone as a missionary. I wanted him to bless my marriage. But on December 6th, 1989, I left for my final voyage when a madman suddenly put an end to my life, merely because I was a woman.

I never minced my words. I loved discussing philosophy for hours and freely expressing my opinions. I always gave the impression that I was strong and determined, but I was gentle and sensitive. Social dancing, skiing and swimming were always part of my daily routine. But on December 6th, 1989, a madman suddenly put an end to my life, merely because I was a woman, a woman with a happy smile.

I come from a family of engineers. I was about to get my degree at the École polytechnique. I was a lecturer and an assistant to my father who also taught at the Institut de technologie supérieure. Speaking about my father, I must admit that I was his greatest pride and joy. I had great dreams for the future and great ambitions but, on December 6th, 1989, a madman suddenly put an end to my life, merely because I was a woman.

I left my beloved Poland with my husband at a time when it was still difficult to leave countries behind the Iron Curtain. We came to Québec, where freedom was more important than anything else. I could not imagine that violence was so widespread in this beautiful country. How could I have known that firearms, which were prohibited in my home country, were accessible to anyone here? On December 6th, 1989, a madman took one of them and suddenly put an end to my life, merely because I was a woman.

I could have become a great scientist because my curious nature made everything fascinating to me. I was a musician, sang in a choir, practiced sports and held a job. I liked people. I knew how to listen to them, make them feel important and appreciate their qualities. People said that I had a knack for bringing out the best in them, with my love. I could have been very successful, but on December 6th, 1989, a madman suddenly put an end to my life, merely because I was a woman.

I was a very passionate woman. A politician deep down inside. An activist. Arms control, television violence... yes, it is easy to imagine me fighting for justice for women’s rights. I would have changed the world if I had been given a chance. But, on December 6th, 1989, a madman suddenly put an end to my life, merely because I was a woman.

I always loved to help other female students and I was known for my patience. I was a very private woman with very few good friends. I preferred solitude and peace. No boy had won my heart until the day I met my beautiful love. We were married on August 12th, 1989 and I was living happily, dreaming for a few months that I was pregnant. But on December 6th, 1989, a madman suddenly put an end to my dream and my life, merely because I was a woman.

I was bold, determined and as talented as my three sisters. I dreamt of being an astronaut because I had always had my head turned towards the sky. I wanted to travel among the stars and explore new worlds. My first step towards this goal was getting a degree in engineering. Now, I shine like a sparkling star in the sky because on December 6th, 1989, a madman suddenly put an end to my life, merely because I was a woman.

I had a way of getting people’s attention and making myself heard. I deeply believed in solidarity and I lived it fully. I was full of energy and untiring. I got up early and went to bed late, sometimes I didn’t even sleep. I was consumed by my thirst for learning, knowing and succeeding. Everyone wondered how I managed to carry on. It was like I knew I had little time left. I must have foreseen what was to happen to me on December 6th , 1989, when a madman suddenly put an end to my life, merely because I was a woman.

I was always determined. Rebellious and hard-working, that’s how mom described me. I had helped start the Maison des jeunes, an organization helping youngsters in distress because their needs compelled me to act. Nothing could come between my engineering degree and me. But, two days before my graduation, on December 6th , 1989, a madman suddenly put an end to my life, merely because I was a woman.

I had an irresistible sense of humour. I was a clown who always managed to make others see the lighter side of life. I loved the sea and dreamt of one day owning a sailboat which would take me to the end of the world. One thought best describes my philosophy: “Always have a goal to achieve and you will know why you exist.” I had set my sights on so many goals but on December 6th , 1989, a madman suddenly put an end to my life, merely because I was a woman.

I believed in the beauty of life. I was courageous and determined, a smiling and generous woman. There was no hate or meanness in me. I was not judgemental. My strength was my simplicity, combined with my creativity and thirst for knowledge. I always wanted to learn and build. But on December 6th , 1989, a madman who preferred to hate and destroy suddenly put an end to my life, merely because I was a woman.