Jane (Wyrwicz) Kwiatkowski
Jane Kwiatkowski passed away in her own home on Sunday, June 23, 2019, with family members present and holding her hands.
Born on July 12, 1927 in Everett, MA to Walery and Ursula Wyrwicz, Jane attended St. Stanislaus Parochial School and graduated from Everett High School.
She lived in Everett in the same house for her entire life until she moved to Tewksbury in 2012.
Jane met the love of her life, Chester Kwiatkowski, in Chelsea. Both were members of the Saint Stanislaus Parish.
Jane and Chester spent 41 years enjoying life together until his unexpected death in 1991.
During their marriage Jane and Chester traveled, learned square dancing, volunteered at the North Shore Music Theater, and enjoyed attending events together.
Jane was very involved in the Polish American Veterans Club in Chelsea where she sewed the curtains for the stage when the club was first opened, and was active in the Ladies Auxiliary of the P.A.V., holding many positions including President.
After her husband’s death, Jane continued her love of travel and was a Friendship Force member, both visiting Australia and hosting families from Down Under.
Jane started her career as an insurance claims reviewer and continued to work with money and budgets both in her own home life and in her later jobs. While her children were still in school, Jane worked at the school as a substitute teacher and the school librarian. She later finished her career as an insurance adjuster for the Saint Paul Company.
After Jane retired, she volunteered at the Whidden Hospital, was a tour leader at the Boston Flower Show, and continued to travel the world.
Jane was a life-long member of the St. Stanislaus Polish Parish in Chelsea, where she served on the Parish Council, and was a lector (reader) for the Catholic Mass for many years. Jane later joined St. Williams Parish in Tewksbury.
Jane was an accomplished and adventurous cook and her recipes are cherished by her family. Her family enjoyed her Polish meals; the pierogi, galumpki and chruschiki were shared with her family. Jane’s family ate pesto before it became popular. In addition, Jane was an excellent seamstress and made clothing and coats for her family and even her daughters’ dolls. Jane loved her flowers and maintained a beautiful flowering garden at her home in Everett.
She was awed by nature and loved to discover rainbows and the planets on a clear night. She put up with her children’s animals and hosted parakeets, mice, bunnies, cats and even a blue jay.
Jane is survived by her daughters, Susan Young and her husband Paul of Tewksbury, and Karen Sidle and her husband Warren of Canton, NC. Her daughter, Janine Keller predeceased her. She leaves behind her son-in-law, Rick Keller of Everett, numerous grandchildren, a great grandson, many nephews, nieces, and extended family members.
Jane’s brothers, Vincent, Stanley, and Mickey have also passed, as well as her sister Ida.
Jane wished to remain in her home in Tewksbury during her final days and that was made possible by the kind and compassionate care she received from Kailyn Ortiz.
Calling hours are Friday, June 28, from 4-8 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Her funeral procession will begin on Saturday, June 29, at 9 a.m., at the funeral home, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. William’s Church, 1351 Main St., Rte. 38, Tewksbury. Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Francis House, www.stfrancishouse.org, 30 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, The Wish Project, www.thewishproject.org, 166 Middlesex St., N. Chelmsford, MA 01863, the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452 or to a charity of one’s choice.