Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
For those whom thou think’st thou dost overthrow
Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me
-Holy Sonnets: Death, be not proud
John Donne
Elizabeth admired this poem, finding in Donne’s defiant words a reflection of her own belief that a life of love and learning endures beyond death.
Elizabeth Mazurski (née Kozak) passed away on Friday, October 10th, 2025, just eleven days before her 82nd birthday.
Elizabeth was born in Fort William, Ontario, on October 21st, 1943, to William “Casey” and Margaret Kozak (née Cardy). She adored her mother and father and was the oldest (and only) daughter in a family of four.
She attended Ogden Public School and Fort William Collegiate Institute. Like many students of her time, she took on several jobs to help support herself, including babysitting and working in the butcher’s department at the A&P. These experiences shaped her sharp wit, strong work ethic, and enduring sense of humour, providing a lifetime of stories about unfortunate (and often comical) mishaps, unruly customers, and everyday absurdities of grocery life.
With babysitting savings and her family’s support, she determinedly put herself through university, becoming one of Lakehead College of Arts, Science, and Technology’s first group of graduating students. She studied History and French, finding her intellectual passion. The histories of France, England, and Russia fascinated her endlessly, passions that lasted her lifetime, evident in spirited conversations, well-worn books, and her quiet pride in lifelong learning.
She spent several summers at Teachers College at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, where she loved student life: the small seminars, the camaraderie among students, and even the heat of southern Ontario (without fans or air conditioning), a detail she’d mention with a laugh. She delighted in recounting her adventures in Toronto, its museums, and the energy of city life.
After graduating, Elizabeth began teaching History in Fort Frances before returning home to what would later become Thunder Bay, where she started a remarkable 35-year career teaching French and History at Westgate High School. Madame Mazurski had a gift for storytelling and spoke fondly of her colleagues, including Roy Piovesana, Marg Loghrin, Pat Gravelle, Ab Slivinski, Fiorella Latimer, Brian Macdonald, Gary Tocheri, and Alf Johnson, whom she admired deeply, and the many wonderful ladies in the office whose support she cherished throughout her career.
Elizabeth married Wilbert (“Will”) Mazurski, with whom she shared a life filled with gardening, cooking, family, and their beloved pets. She was predeceased by her husband and her parents, Casey and Margaret. She is survived by her daughter, Lara (Johanna), who brought her immense pride and joy, including earning her PhD, an achievement that she would proudly share at every opportunity.
To her family and friends, she was Betty, a woman of strength, loyalty, and compassion. Betty cared devotedly for her loved ones: she supported her mother, Margaret, through a long battle with cancer; cared for Will and his family through their own illnesses; and later for her father, Casey, until he passed from cancer. She was steadfast and generous, always putting others before herself.
Betty was an avid reader and a lifelong supporter of the Thunder Bay Public Library, particularly the Brodie (Carnegie) and Mary J.L. Black branches. She admired the Carnegie Foundation, often noting the irony of its founder being a “robber baron,” yet deeply respecting his funding of public libraries. One of her greatest joys in later years was the library’s Home Service program, which delivered curated books to those unable to visit in person, a service she adored and looked forward to greatly. She would definitely recommend it to anyone who needed it.
Her passions were many: gardening, cooking, knitting, reading, and travelling. In the 1980s, she famously worked her way through Julia Child’s The Art of French Cooking, to the delight of her family (and to the dismay of their waistlines). Betty loved her pets dearly, who brought her company, endless hours of entertainment, and comfort.
Betty’s love of travel took her across the world, bringing her face-to-face with the history and culture she had spent a lifetime studying. She marvelled at the size and bustle of London, wandered through the treasures of the British Museum, and delighted in West End musicals with her brother, Mark, and friend, Luba. She was enchanted by the blooming flowers of the Keukenhof in the Netherlands and cruised the elegant canals of St. Petersburg. In Russia, she was charmed by the famous cats of the Hermitage, guardians of one of the world’s greatest museums. From England to France, Belgium to the Netherlands, and beyond, each journey deepened her appreciation for the world and its stories.
Elizabeth’s later years were marked by determination and the care of an exceptional team. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Ingves, Dr. Mangatal, and the nursing and palliative care teams at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Special gratitude goes to Ryan Gallant, her kinesiologist and strength coach at Thrive Gym, whose dedication helped her regain mobility when few thought it possible. Deep appreciation also goes to the physiotherapy team, Rebecca and Hari, and the Rehabilitative Care in Home Services, as well as the PSWs from Bayshore and Paramed, such as Fiona and Sam, and the staff of Hogarth’s Transitional Care Unit, including Faith Hope and Charity, who cared for her in her final days.
A very special mention must go to her dear friend Luba Chyril, whose friendship and care were constants in Betty’s life. Luba looked after Betty, her dogs, and her family (Will), allowing her to travel and visit her daughter as she pursued her PhD, got married, and shared in the milestones that meant the most. Their friendship was a true gift, and Luba’s presence in Betty’s final years brought her great comfort.
Betty is survived by her brothers, Mark Kozak of Elora, Ontario, her warm, loyal, and much-adored baby brother, whom she affectionately referred to as “handsome” even in her final days, as well as Jim Kozak, who visited her daily while she was in the hospital, always there, offering a constant and watchful presence and Bill Kozak. Special recognition to Alan and Karen Mazurski, whose steadfast advocacy during Betty’s illness meant the world. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, and the extended family who will miss her.
Elizabeth lived a life rich with love, learning, and laughter. She found joy in books, gardens, pets, good meals, music, theatre, film, and the company of those she loved. She will be remembered as a woman of intelligence, kindness, humour, and unwavering devotion to her family and her students. In this remembrance, as Donne wrote, death is not mighty, for she lives on in the hearts and minds of all she touched.
In keeping with Elizabeth’s wishes, there will be no public service. She will be cremated, and her ashes will be interred with her parents, as she requested.
In honour of Elizabeth’s lifelong love of reading, donations may be made to the Thunder Bay Public Library.
She was loved and will be profoundly missed.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
