Nadine Violette Poznanski

September 25, 2024

In Loving Memory (1925-2024) ~

It is better to light one candle

than to curse the darkness

It is with sadness and an indescribable sense of loss that we announce the passing of Nadine Poznanski - a remarkable woman of her time, daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, human rights activist, scientist, and curious intellectual who inspired and touched so many through her long and extraordinary life.

Nadine was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Dr. Wojciech Poznanski, with whom she shared a remarkable life, her parents Felix Chomé and Violette Vittoz, and dear brother Marc Chomé (Carin).

She will be dearly missed by her daughter Karine, son Bernard (Julie), adoring granddaughters Janine (James), Nathalie (David), Rhian, Sophie (Rory) and Olivia (Matt). Her generous spirit will touch the lives of her great-grandchildren Sébastien, Maxine, Oliver, Émile and Maëlle. We are all grateful for her love, her life and her inspiration.

Nadine's extraordinary journey began in Europe. Born to Belgian and Swiss parents, she spent her young life in Brussels where she studied the Classics and Chemistry at L'Université Libre de Bruxelles, her studies moving underground under German occupation during the Second World War.

Nadine met Wojciech after the war while working as a research assistant at the renowned Pasteur Institute. Wojciech, a Polish prisoner of war for five years in Germany, was completing his medical studies in Brussels. Soon after their marriage in 1951, they emigrated to Canada as displaced persons. This period in their lives heightened their sense of the injustices and deep suffering in the world, forming a lifetime dedication to human rights and community service. At this point, their stories assume an inextricable and impactful trajectory.

Like many immigration stories, adapting to life in Canada and to her role as a young mother while Wojciech established himself as a medical doctor and specialist, was challenging and often lonely, especially in the smaller rural communities where they found their footing. Nadine soon began teaching French, Math and Science when her strong capabilities became known in her communities.

They eventually settled in Ottawa where Nadine resumed her research work alongside Wojciech at the Civic Hospital Metabolic Research Unit, supervising a laboratory and co-authoring many important studies in diabetes, thyroid disease and breast cancer. These years in Ottawa were defined by their significant contribution to medical research, raising their two children through university, enjoyment of the arts and music, weekend retreats at Big Rideau Lake, travel, and skiing.

"Retirement" in 1983 marked a new chapter, beginning with a three-year medical mission in Hazelton, BC, where Nadine contributed to Gitk'san cultural renewal as part of the Northwest Coast Native Art Society, and formed with Wojciech a local group of Amnesty International.

In 1986, they settled in Vernon, BC, contributing their undiminished energy and interest to that community including cultivation of their own hobby farm (memories abound), Hospice House, the Vernon Art Gallery, the Okanagan Symphony, Trinity United Church, the International Affairs Society, and co-founding another local chapter of Amnesty International where Nadine oversaw hundreds of human rights advocacy cases in work that was close to her heart.

Her dedication to lifelong learning continued as a member of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) and as an organizer of Capsule College, a series of community lectures to raise scholarship funds for students attending Okanagan College. She was generous with her knowledge and experience as a frequent public speaker, was named Woman of the Year (2009) by Vernon Women in Business, Community Champion (2016) by the Social Planning Council of North Okanagan in recognition of her human rights work, and Notable Woman of the Year (2019) by the Canadian Federation of University Women.

Nadine continued to enjoy skiing and snowshoeing on Silver Star Mountain, and playing tennis with her many friends at the Vernon Tennis Club well into her nineties.

Nadine's family history was central to her identity. She said that her granddaughters were her legacy, accomplished and intelligent young women who gave her hope for the world. Rest peacefully now Grandmaman, your candle shines on brightly.

Please join us for a celebration of Nadine's life

Saturday, October 12, 2024, 2pm

Trinity United Church, Vernon, BC.

Donations in Nadine's memory may be made to

Amnesty International Canada

or Médecins sans Frontières

Funeral arrangements have been made with Bethel Funeral Chapel Ltd. 5605-27 Street, Vernon, BC V1T 8Z5

250-542-1187