Maria M. (Janczar) Sowa, age 75, of Chicopee passed away on February 26, 2020, at Baystate Medical Center. Maria was the daughter of Emil and Helena (Kruzel) Janczar and was born on October 25, 1944 in Mielec, Poland. In 1975 Maria moved to Chicopee to establish a better life for her and her family. While Maria worked for many years as a cook at Willimansett West Nursing Home and the Chicopee Municipal Home before it made way for the new Chicopee High School, she especially loved cooking for, and sharing meals with, her family. She was a proud mother and grandmother and was surrounded by love and family throughout her illness. Maria is survived by her son, Paul Sowa and his wife Joanne of Granby; her two brothers, Wojciech Janczar and his wife Jadwiga of Poland, and Jozef Janczar and his wife Zyta of Chicopee and her sister–in–law Zuzanna Janczar of Poland, her beloved granddaughter Kendal; her nieces and nephews, Agnes, Monica, Witold, Miroslaw, Marek, Katarzyna, Chris and Victor; as well as by great-nices, great-nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her brother Jan Janczar. A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, March 2, 2020 at 11:00 AM in St Stanislaus Basilica, 566 Front St, Chicopee followed by burial in St Stanislaus Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Polish Center of Discovery and Learning, 133 South St, Chicopee MA 01013. The Grise Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.