Krysia Strawczynski

Krysia Strawczynski was born in Lodz, Poland, in 1946. She moved to Montreal as a young child, together with her parents, Zygmunt and Maryla. The extended family (including Zygmunt's brother, his sister, and their spouses and children) first lived in the Plateau area of Montreal, before moving to the shared triplex on Belgrave Avenue in NDG where the children all grew up together. Krysia was naturally charismatic and a born leader, the oldest offspring in her family of cousins. She was a tall, strikingly beautiful woman with lots of friends. She married Michael Mercer in 1967, after she graduated from Sir George Williams University (now Concordia University) in Montreal. She and Michael, a writer and poet, moved to BC, where they eventually parted ways. Krysia married her husband of forty-four years, Everett Northup, in Victoria.

Krysia and Everett were both senior civil servants in the BC provincial government, and both eventually left government as well-respected Deputy Ministers.

Krysia was both an effective leader and a wonderful, caring family member and hostess to friends and family. She and Ev lived in a beautiful and well-appointed home in Victoria, near the ocean, which was the site of many famous parties and enjoyable visits. Krysia was a beloved and popular aunt to her brother’s and cousins’ kids, and a dear step-grandma to the children of her stepson, Jon Northup. She always greeted all the kids with trunkloads of gifts.

Although she had a complicated relationship with her mother, she was a devoted and dutiful daughter. After her dad, Zygmunt, died in 1976, Krysia moved her mom, Maryla, to Vancouver and then to Victoria, and took meticulous care of her.

Krysia continued to live in Victoria, a city she adored, until the end of April 2026. At that point, she was in failing health and agreed to move to Ottawa to be near her family. During her last months, Krysia enjoyed many family visits, which were a joy to all concerned.

We lost Krysia on August 22, 2026, after a mercifully brief final illness. She will be remembered as a unique and fascinating personality, well-respected by her peers, and well-loved by her friends and family.