On Monday, Warsaw’s Powązki Cemetery filled with mourners. The funeral of Joanna Kołaczkowska, a beloved artist and legend of Polish cabaret, became a remarkable moment of farewell – exactly as she had wished.
Final farewell – the artist and her wishes
The requiem Mass began at 11:00 at the Church of St. Charles Borromeo. Joanna Kołaczkowska planned the course of her funeral while still alive – she wanted it not to resemble a traditional, pathos-filled ceremony. Her relatives honored this request: the ceremony was partly secular, and instead of flowers and wreaths, donations were collected for the Avalon Foundation, which supports people with disabilities.
Who attended the ceremony?
Among those present were her closest family, friends and numerous representatives of the cultural world. Touching words of farewell were delivered, among others, by Father Lech Dorobczyński and colleagues from the Hrabi cabaret. Szymon Majewski, Robert Górski and Dariusz Kamys thanked Asia with tears in their eyes for the moments shared on and off stage.
Final resting place
Joanna Kołaczkowska was laid to rest in the Avenue of Distinguished Persons at the Military Cemetery. The tomb in section F V, first row, number 1, carries special significance – right next to it lies Stanisław Tym, another great creator of Polish satire. In the same part of Powązki are the graves of many outstanding Poles, which underlines how important a figure Kołaczkowska was for culture.
An unconventional ceremony
- The funeral began with a Mass, after which mourners gathered around an urn in light wood colour.
- The mourners bid farewell to the artist with applause – this underscored the joyful character Joanna had wished for.
- At 12:30 a secular ceremony began in the ceremonial hall, followed by the burial.
The legacy of Joanna Kołaczkowska
Asia will forever remain an icon of the Polish cabaret scene. For three decades she made generations laugh and moved them. Her strength, self-distance and authenticity meant she inspired and brought joy even where sadness reigned.
It is worth noting that earlier – after winning her battle with melanoma – she spoke publicly about the passing of time, encouraging honesty towards oneself and loved ones, even in the most difficult moments. In that spirit, hundreds of people bid her farewell today – with gratitude for everything she left behind.
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