Wanda (Kielbasa) Jarosz, 97, died Wednesday, January 30, 2019, at home with her family at her side. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 69 years, Kazimierz Jarosz, in 2016.
She is survived by several nieces and nephews; grandnieces and grandnephews, and their families. She was preceded by her parents; brothers, Stephen and John; and sister, Jenny Skowron. Wanda deeply cherished and was profoundly proud of her entire family.
Born in Uxbridge, Wanda spent much of her childhood through young adulthood in Poland, where she met and married her husband. On arrival in the United States, they settled in Uxbridge until moving to the home they loved so much in Webster. There they were good neighbors to all. Wanda took great pride in her home, where she excelled as devoted homemaker, welcoming hostess, and gracious presence. Wanda maintained an expansive recipe collection. She enjoyed cooking delicious, filling meals, and she was particularly adept at baking traditional Polish treats, including favorite cakes and special pastries for those she loved. Her sweet tea was beyond excellent.
Wanda was a humble woman, with innate wisdom. She was a woman who lived her faith; she found peace and comfort in prayer and contemplation. She was kind, gentle, and benevolent. Wanda found joy in her relationships with family and friends near and far. She wrote touching, caring, and heartfelt letters in her beautiful penmanship. She spent many hours in phone conversations with loved ones, both exchanging news and bestowing her unique blessings for their good health and happiness.
Wanda and her husband maintained a large, bountiful garden. They spent many hours working together in their yard and caring for their indoor plants. Wanda found beauty and signs of God’s grace in everything. She took time daily to admire nature, enjoy life’s simple pleasures, and appreciate the ingenuity of modern conveniences. Wanda was an avid reader of daily newspapers in both Polish and English. She was an excellent bargain hunter and a devoted fan of “The Price is Right”.
Wanda was a talented seamstress who applied her skills at several textile mills in the Blackstone Valley. For many years, she sewed clothes for herself and her family. She provided expert advice to others who sought her help, assisting them with complex patterns and intricate finishing details. Wanda was also a gifted knitter and crocheter, crafting beautiful afghans, sweaters, mittens, slippers, and doilies. She openly admired the handiwork of other crafters with deep appreciation for their skills.
Wanda was always interested in global issues, and shared insightful perspectives based on her life experiences. She was a marvelous storyteller of family history. She could be thoughtful and serious, yet add a twist of wit when least expected. Wanda offered complexity wrapped in simplicity, calmness in the midst of turbulence, and optimism in times of trial. Above all,
Wanda manifested a joy of life that glowed in her eyes and radiated in her smile. She has blessed those whose lives she touched with that memory.
Wanda's funeral will be held Tuesday, February 5, from the Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School Street, with a Mass at 10:30 AM in Saint Joseph Basilica, 53 Whitcomb Street. Burial will be in Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Uxbridge. A calling hour will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 AM Tuesday in the funeral home, prior to the Mass. Donations in Wanda’s name may be made to Saint Joseph Basilica, 53 Whitcomb Street, Webster, MA 01570.