It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden and tragic loss of our beloved colleague, Katarzyna 'Kasia' Kostrzewa, who passed away at the age of 53 on 30 May 2024. She was a valued member of the Integrity Program Department, and we will miss her kind and open spirit, hard-working nature, and reliability.
When Kasia joined the IFS IP Team as Senior Quality Assurance Manager in June 2021, she brought with her 20 years of experience in auditing in the food and non-food sectors. Throughout her career, she had gained experience with various industry standards such as IFS, BRCGS, ISO, SMETA, SQMS and AOECS. She conducted audits in Poland and across Europe. Kasia also had extensive experience monitoring brand products and possessed deep knowledge of product labelling for food and non-food products. In addition, Kasia was experienced in conducting internal and external training in the areas of auditing techniques, product labelling and quality management systems.
Kasia viewed IFS more as a calling than just a job. She was a dedicated, motivated and helpful colleague, always going the extra mile to offer assistance whenever someone needed support, even when it meant taking on additional tasks alongside her own workload. Due to her conscientious and reliable nature, she was highly appreciated by her colleagues.
Kasia dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her career while also pursuing a few interests and hobbies during her free time. Besides her family and friends, her cat was one of her favourite companions. It became well-known to colleagues as it often appeared during online meetings. She had a deep love for France and the French language and enjoyed travelling there.
Kasia was a beloved member of the IFS Family, and her passing is a significant loss. We extend our deepest condolences to everyone who knew her, especially her family and friends.
“There are special people in our lives who never leave us, even after they are gone.”
— D. Morgan
