Teresa Mika

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Teresa Mika, in her 78th year, who passed away peacefully and quickly with family by her side at Toronto Western Hospital on Thursday, March 16, 2023.

Teresa was born in Warsaw, Poland on May 21, 1945, at the end of WWII in Europe, the beloved eldest daughter of the late Franciszek and late Henryka (née Piskorski) Regulski of Poland.

Dear sister to Danusia Marciniak (late Zygmunt) of Poland and the late Grzegorz Regulski (Janina). Devoted wife to the late Frank Mika. Loving and caring mom of Kasia McKinnon and Karen Nelan (Jeff). Fondly remembered by her step children Heidi Berry (Tim), Susan Mika, Peter Mika, Linda Santo (Tony), and son-in-law, Brad McKinnon.

She could have been everyone’s grandma! Her “wnuczki” will miss their “kochana Babcia” so much —grandchildren Ania, Tessa, Laura, Sofia, Isabella, and Bianca, and step-grandchildren Lisa (Greg), Mark, Michael, Victoria (Marcus), Anthony, Vanessa (Roman), and step-greatgrandkids, Amelia and Olivia.

She will also be dearly missed by nephew, Chris Mika (Sylvia) who was like a son to her, as well as many, many sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, and relatives in Canada, Poland, England, and Australia.

Teresa came to Canada in 1975 from communist Poland to work and improve her family’s life, not realizing she would meet Frank at a dance at his banquet hall in Barrie and get married a few weeks later in 1976! Innisfil, by Lake Simcoe, was her home for 47 years.

Nothing pleased Teresa more than taking care of her family and home. Her heart was gold! Always so hospitable and generous, she could not sit still for longer than 30 seconds! Being in the vicinity of Teresa meant you were very likely to be “accosted” with food (whether you felt like eating or not!). We will miss her delicious soups that nourished us over the years, especially her famous,“rosołek” (Polish chicken noodle).

Teresa’s devotion to her Catholic faith and belief in the power of prayer gave her strength, especially since she was an award-winning worrier! You might never have known, though, because of the beautiful smile almost always on her face and her sense of humour. She was an example to her family.

The family full-heartedly thanks the neighbours who alerted first responders, the Barrie and South Simcoe first responders, the extraordinary neuro and critical care staff at Toronto Western Hospital, Father Mattias and his prayer group, and all those praying for our adored mom and babcia!

We wanted her to enjoy many more calmer, less stressful, happy years of life here with us. Mom, you were our Guardian Angel here on Earth. Now you are our Guardian Angel in Heaven. “Spoczywaj w pokoju”   Rest in peace, Mom! We will love you always!

Teresa adored flowers and gardening! Flowers or a donation to Toronto Western Hospital or Covenant House would be welcome.