Obituary of Henry Donafeld

In Loving Memory of Henry Stanislaw Donafeld

It is with profound sadness, but with deep gratitude for a life so well lived, that we announce the passing of Henry Stanislaw Donafeld, who passed away peacefully on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the age of 79, surrounded by the family who loved him dearly.

Henry was born in Germany on January 24, 1947, to Stanislaw and Janina Donafeld, who had been forced to leave Poland during the war. As a young boy, Henry came to Canada by boat with his parents and brother Richard, sponsored by his Aunt Wladyslawa. After arriving in Canada, the family settled in Guelph, where Henry would live and build his life for the rest of his years.

Henry was a lifelong learner and dedicated 39 years of his life to teaching. Right out of high school he went to Teachers College in Hamilton because at the time there was a teacher shortage. While teaching, he attended the University of Waterloo to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, and later earned his Master's degree in Education at the University of Toronto. He spent his life in and out of the classroom mentoring, tutoring, guiding, and supporting others. He was truly our family's humanitarian.

Henry met his beloved wife, Zuzanna, on a blind date while she was visiting from Poland. Their chance meeting became a beautiful 41-year marriage built on faith, love, and partnership. Together they raised their children, Krystyna and Andrzej Donafeld. Over recent years, Krystyna and her husband Colin Clarke have welcomed two children, Harrison and Charlotte Clarke, who were Henry’s cherished grandchildren. They brought him immeasurable joy and he would spend time with them almost daily playing around the house, going to the park, getting groceries at Costco or engaging in a family day trip with them.

Henry was a member of the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate for 75 years. Henry attend Mass weekly, as he grew in years and faith he became an Altar Server to a Lector for many years. Henry also worked as a supervisor with Elections Canada for many years. His faith and his desire to help others were central to his life.

He found happiness in reading articles and the newspaper, learning, collecting historical/modern airplanes and motor vehicle models, exercising, live theatre, movies, sports, comedy, Polish cuisine, apple fritters, cakes and pastries, and especially spending time with his family. He was always ready for a day trip and enjoyed some international travel with his wife and family. 

Henry leaves behind his wife, Zuzanna; his children, Krystyna (Colin) and Andrzej; his grandchildren, Harrison and Charlotte; his brother, Richard and his wife Sophie and their children Richard and Avary Donafeld; his brother John’s wife Cindy, and their daughter Anne Donafeld; his sister, Krystyna and her husband Ron; his very close sister-in law, Zofia Gadzinska and her husband Jerzy Gadzinski and their children Marcela, Sebastian and Maja Gadzinski and many extended family members both in Canada and Poland, Tina and other international students, friends, former students, colleagues, and parishioners who will miss him dearly.

He was predeceased by his parents, Stanislaw and Janina, and his brother John.

Henry spent his life caring for others. During the most difficult times, he was the person his family could count on—steady, compassionate, generous, and always there.

When his time came, he was surrounded by a room full of loving and grateful family members. 

We take comfort in knowing that Henry is now at peace, reunited with those who went before him and resting in God's loving arms in Heaven.

He made us better through his love and support.

His life lives on through all of us. 

Visitations for Henry Donafeld will take place Thursday September 3, 2:00-4:00PM and 6:00-8:00PM at Brombal Funeral Home on 1 Delhi Street, Guelph. All are welcome to pay their respects.

Praying of the Rosary in Polish will take place on Thursday September 3, 7:40PM at the Funeral Home.

Funeral will take place Friday September 4, 10:30AM at Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate on 28 Norfolk Street, Guelph. 

All are welcome to join the family at Marymount Cemetery on 5400 Highway 6, Guelph/Eramosa for the burial. 

Reception to follow at the Italian Canadian Club on 135 Ferguson Street, Guelph.

The family looks forward to hearing your memories of Henry Donafeld.