Elzbieta Oleksy, PhD

Oleksy, Elzbieta. May 1, 2026. Age 84. Proud and adored Mom “Misiu” of Agnieszka Wira (Mark) and Dominika Lyjak (Jacob). Cherished Grandmother “Bunia” of Ellie Milosz, Rachael Wira, Adam Lyjak, Maya Lyjak, Nathan Wira and Stephen Wira. Elzbieta is also survived by many loving extended family members, friends and neighbors. She passed away peacefully in her home with both of her daughters by her side. She was a strong, fiercely independent, faith-filled woman whose life was guided by devotion – to her beliefs and above all, to her family. As a loving mother and cherished grandmother, she found her greatest happiness in time spent surrounded by those she loved. Family was always her top priority. Elzbieta was born and raised in Kraków, Poland as the only child of her mother, Irena, and father Jozef. Her early years were shaped by profound loss, as her father perished in the Auschwitz concentration camp when she was only one year old. Raised by her devoted mother during challenging World War II times, she grew into a resilient and determined young woman, guided by perseverance and faith. In her early years Elzbieta attended a Music School in Krakow, Poland, where she developed a deep love for classical music, especially Beethoven, and received many awards for being an accomplished pianist. During her college years, she stood out not only for her intellect but also for her vibrant presence. She was actively involved in the student council, worked as a professor’s assistant, and was even featured on the covers of several magazines, her beauty captured by professional photographers. In 1973 she earned a PhD degree in Microbiology from the Jagiellonian University in Krakow and dedicated her entire professional life to the field of oncology. As a founder and leader of a large hospital diagnostics unit, she focused on the early detection of cervical cancer affecting the female reproductive system. Through her work and ability to detect cancer cells in very early stages, she saved the lives of countless women, helping them receive diagnoses in time to seek successful treatment. Her career was defined by compassion, precision, and an unwavering commitment to others. In 2009, following her retirement, Elzbieta moved from Poland to Michigan to be closer to her two daughters and their families. She was immensely proud to have learned English and become a United States citizen in 2014. In this chapter of her life, she embraced creativity and joy. She developed a passion for oil painting and watercolor, producing many beautiful works that were displayed in galleries and art shows. She found peace in gardening, tending to her roses, orchids, cacti, and hydrangeas. She took great pride in preparing traditional Polish meals, especially during Wigilia - the cherished Christmas Eve celebration. These moments brought together family, culture, and love in the most meaningful way. Her greatest joy, however, was her family. Her two daughters and their families were the center of her life. She adored her grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with them-whether celebrating holidays, special occasions, attending their sports activities, sharing meals, or traveling together. Her curiosity and love of learning never faded, and she delighted in discovering the world through their eyes. She had a deep love for travel, exploring much of Europe and enjoying many trips across the United States, especially to the West Coast and Florida. She held a special fondness for Las Vegas, where she embraced life’s excitement with her characteristic enthusiasm. She found happiness in music, dancing (her favorite was Argentinian Tango), art in all its forms, playing card games, Mahjong, and the simple pleasures of life. She maintained close friendships within both her Polish and American communities, and her vibrant social spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She carried a deep love for both parts of her life, honoring her Polish heritage while embracing her American home. She will be remembered as a person of extraordinary kindness, empathy, and grace. Loved by everyone she encountered, she had a rare gift for making people feel seen, cared for, and valued. Her legacy lives on not only in her professional achievements and artistic creations but in the countless lives she touched with her compassion and love. Elzbieta will be deeply missed, endlessly loved, and forever carried in the hearts of all who knew her. Visitation Thursday 3-8pm with 7:00pm Rosary at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 54480 Van Dyke at 25 Mile Rd. (SHELBY TOWNSHIP). Funeral Friday Instate 10:30am at St. John Vianney Church 54045 Schoenherr Rd. (btw. 24 & 25 Mile Rds.) until time of Mass at 11:00am. Interment VanHoosen- Jones Cemetery. Share memories with the family at their "On Line Guest Book" @ WujekCalcaterra.com.

Elzbieta Oleksy, PhD

June 1, 1941 - May 1, 2026