Malgorzata Hanna Stiff (Muchowiecka), age 62, a resident of Downers Grove, IL, died at her home on Monday, January 21st, 2018. All knew her as Gosia.

She was born in Lodz, Poland on Feb.21st, 1955.

Gosia graduated in 1979 with a Master's Degree in English Philology. During her time there, Gosia became involved in the Oasis Movement, where she committed her life to Christ. She often translated for missionaries traveling unofficially in Communist Poland.

Upon graduation, she joined the staff of New Life, Poland, a part of Campus Crusade for Christ, Int'l. She and one other Polish woman were the first nationals to join Campus Crusade in Eastern Europe. Poland was still communist, and her work with Campus Crusade was illegal, as was all Christian ministry. She lived and worked as an undercover missionary until the fall of communism. Her ministry was primarily among university students, and then later as a trainer of other Poles who were joining staff.

Upon the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, Gosia and her family (see below) were called by God to Moscow in the Soviet Union, where they lived and ministered for 20 years. While there she helped found Hinkson Christian Academy, a K – 12 school for missionary children, as well as other children from believing families. Once again, she ministered among university students, sharing the gospel with people who had truly never heard. Later, she, along with fellow staff member Connie Harder, started and led the Cup of Coffee movement, a ministry to help believing women share their faith, and be trained up into Christian leaders. Other positions that she held in Russia were as a trainer of new Russian staff women, a member of the Human Resources/ Leadership Development Team, and a member of the Russian National Leadership Team.

Upon finishing her ministry in Russia, she returned to her home country, Poland, where she worked again in the Human Resources/Leadership Development team, and led women Bible Studies.

Gosia was a four time cancer survivor for 20 years. During her treatment for her 3rd cancer, through her own experience she recognized the value of cancer support groups. Upon returning to Poland and recognizing that such groups did not exist there, she started Christian cancer support groups in order to minister to women cancer patients both psychologically and spiritually.

She was diagnosed with her 4th and final cancer in 2014, which forced her to move to the US permanently for treatment. In all her struggles with cancer, she constantly used the time in doctors' waiting rooms to share the gospel with other women there, and to minister to them in whatever way possible.

Gosia is survived by her husband Roy (married on July 5th, 1980 in Warsaw, Poland), by her three children and their spouses, Esther & Rob Porwoll, John & Lila Stiff, and Daniel & Melissa Stiff, and by her eight granddaughters: Lucy Porwoll, Dorothy Stiff, Eleanor Stiff, Monica Porwoll, Abby Stiff, Ellie Stiff, Teresa Porwoll, and Sally Stiff. She is also survived by her aunt, Honorata Kopyt, her cousins, Ania Ciostek and Rysiek Muchowiecki, and her nephews Lukasz & Piotr Stencel.

She was proceeded in death by her sister Ania Stencel (Muchowiecka).

God is the one who gave Gosia life, granted her repentance, called her to ministry, and produced fruit through her. Unto Him belong all honor and glory and praise. We thank Him for giving her to us for all these years.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at All Soul's Anglican Church , 25W741 Jewell Road, Wheaton, IL 60187. Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery in Wheaton, IL.