NORTH HAVEN, CT- Josephine S. (Goclowski) Kowalczyk, 93, died Thursday, March 18, 2004, at home with her daughter in North Haven, CT. Formerly of Worcester, Mass., she moved to CT in 1997 to be near her daughter, Irene, and son-in-law, Edward Cowern. Since 1999 she resided at Laurel Gardens of Hamden, where she made many loving friends.
She was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Stanley Kowalczyk, 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Besides her duaghter and son-in-law, she was a beloved "Babci" to Thomas and Catherine Cowern, Joseph and Susan Cowern, and great granddaugher, Alicia Marie Cowern. She leaves a sister, Genovefa Swieszkowski, a sister-in-law, Janina Goclowski, and many nieces and nephews in Massachusetts and Florida.
She was the eldest child born to Felix and Emilia (Ermanowski) Goclowski March 2, 1911, in Providence, RI, went back to Poland with them as a young child and came back to America at the age of 17. She retired from Washburn Wire Co. in Worcester. She was a member of St. Anthony Society and served as Women’s President of the PNA, Group 758 in Worcester.
She kept in touch with her family in Poland and when the iron curtain was lifted, she and her husband sponsored members of their families to come to America. They were honored in 1994 by over 125 people, here in the U.S., as a result of their efforts. She was a mentor and beloved "Ciocia" and "Babci" to all her family. At Laurel Gardens, Josephine was a "bright light" which touched many lives, always helpful, full of energy, hospitality, welcoming everyone, spending her last enjoyable years with her friends there.
She and her husband encouraged members of their family to further their education and were proud of their Polish heritage. A scholarship fund in memory of Stanley and Josephine Kowalczyk has been established at St. Mary’s School in Worcester. Donations may be made to the above fund c/o Rev. Tadeusz Stachura, 34 Ward St., Worcester, MA 01610 or to St. Stanislaus Church, c/o Rev. Waclaw Hlond, CM, 9 Eld St., New Haven, CT 06511, who visited her faithfully with Communion, or to CT Hospice of Branford, who lovingly assisted in her final days.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Czestechowa Church, Worcester with burial in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester. Friends may call Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Henry-Dirsa Funeral Home, 33 Ward St., Worcester.