SALEM - Genevieve Stephanie Gavenda of 17 Buffum Street , Salem, died peacefully at Kaplan Family Hospice, Danvers, on late Saturday evening, February 7, 2015. She was born May 25, 1919 to Stephanie Suzanne Gutowska of Chomec, and Joseph Grabowski of Szresk, both having emigrated from Poland before 1910. Although born in Danvers, she was a lifelong resident of Salem. She is predeceased by her husband Tadeusz S. Gavenda and her brothers Alexander, Edward, Henry and Thaddeus. She is survived by her 2 children, David T. Gavenda and Nancy S. Gavenda, both of Salem, her brother Raymond Grabowski of New Hampshire and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jean attended St. John the Baptist Polish School and Salem High School and worked for Sylvania Electric for several years during WWII. She married Tadeusz (Ted) Gavenda in 1942. She was first devoted to family always and to education and culture; she was loved by all. Jean loved working her impressive gardens, early American folk painting, rug braiding and traveling, and was a memorably good cook.
Above all, Jean was committed - to family – to love.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 11 am at the St. John the Baptist Church, 28 St. Peter St., Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. There are no visiting hours. Arrangements are by the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. For on line guest book, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.