LEMPITSKI, WANDA (Bedus) “Pani Wanda” of Needham died on August 7, 2013 at the age of 78. Beloved wife of Richard D. Lempitski. Devoted mother of Richard D. Lempitski Jr. and his wife Tracy Ann of Attleboro, Paul E. Lempitski and his wife Iwona of Natick and Edward J. Lempitski and his wife Joanna of Worcester. Sister of the late Sonia S. Bedus. Daughter of the late Joseph S. and Victoria (Kulpinski) Bedus. Also survived by 5 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter. Mrs. Lempitski was a volunteer helping refugees from Soviet bloc nations reestablish their lives here in the United States. She helped refugees from the Solidarity movement who escaped communist rule and immigrated here. She would assist people with finding an apartment, obtaining a job, learning basic English, and getting housewares donated from private citizens. In addition, she was an advocate for promoting Polish culture. She volunteered her time teaching urban students in poor neighborhoods Polish culture such as Polish cooking, crafts, holidays, music and dancing. Mostly, it gave urban children and escape from normal activities and showed them another way of looking at life.She volunteered her time at the Krakowiak Polish Folk Dance Group helping them fundraise to obtain authentic Polish costumes and pay for trips to Europe and Canada. She was a member of the Polish American Congress and the International Institute of Boston. She was a recipient of the "Governer's Good Neighbor Award" presented by the state of Massachusetts. Mrs. Lempitski was shown on local television teaching the Polish customs of Easter and Christmas traditions. She was also a guest speaker on the Gus Saunders radio cooking program where she cooked and demonstrated Polish foods.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave., NEEDHAM Saturday at 9:30am. Funeral Mass at Mary Immaculate of Lourdes Church 270 Elliot St. Newton, MA. at 10:30am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Friday 4-8pm. Interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery Needham.