On Monday, Warsaw Powązki was filled with a crowd of mourners. Joanna Kołaczkowski's funeral, the beloved artist and legend of the Polish cabaret, became a unique moment of farewell – just as she wished.
Last goodbye – the artist and her wishes
The mourning mass began at 11:00 in the church of St. Charles Boromeus. Joanna Kołaczkowska still planned her funeral – she wanted it not to resemble a traditional, full pathos celebration. The close ones fulfilled this request: the ceremony was secular in part, and instead of flowers and wreaths, donations were collected to the Avalon Foundation, supporting the person with disabilities.
Who could be met at the ceremony?
Among those present there were close friends and numerous representatives of the world of culture. Fr Lech Dorobczyński and colleagues from the Count's cabaret gave touching farewell. Szymon Majewski, Robert Górski or Dariusz Kamis thanked Asi with tears in their eyes for the moments spent together on the stage and beyond..
Retired
Joanna Kołaczkowska rested in the Avenue of the Deserved on the Military Cemetery. The tomb in the F V quarters, the first row, number 1, is of exceptional importance – next to it lies Stanisław Tymie, another great creator of Polish satire. In the same part of Powązek there are graves of many prominent Poles, which emphasizes how important the figure for culture was Kołaczkowska.
An unusual ceremony
- The funeral began with a mass, after which the crowd gathered at the urn in bright wood.
- Gathered mourners said goodbye to the artist with applause – this was what emphasized the joyful character Joanna wished for..
- At 12:30, a secular ceremony began in the ceremonial hall, and later a burial took place.
Heritage of Joanna Kołaczkowska
Asia will remain an icon of the Polish cabaret scene forever. For three decades, she laughed and moved the next generations. Her strength, distance to herself and authenticity made her inspire and give joy also where sadness reigned.
It is worth noting that before – after winning the fight against melanoma – she spoke publicly about passing, encouraging honesty towards herself and her loved ones, even in the most difficult moments. In such a spirit, hundreds of people were saying goodbye today – with gratitude for everything she left behind.
