WORCESTER__Janina “Jane” (Bania) Kozaczka, 90, of Worcester died in her home surrounded by her family, on Monday, February 1, 2010 after a long illness. Her husband, Walter Kozaczka died in 1998. She leaves a son, Stanley M. Kozaczka of Worcester, six daughters, Barbara Gruszka of Millbury, Wieslawa Miller of Worcester, with whom she lived, Jolanta Sobiech of Oxford, Bozena Dudek of Worcester, Mary Cronin of Colorado Springs, CO and Anna Rogers of Douglas; two sisters, Maria Luczyk of Worcester and Teresa Kosierkiewicz of Warsaw, Poland; her companion and caretaker, Stasia Zyzalo, twenty-six grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son, Andre Kozaczka, three brothers, Jan, Wladyslaw and Mitchell Bania and a sister, Stephanie Bania, known as Sister Aniela. She was born in Tarnow, Poland a daughter of Marcin and Maria (Nowak) Bania and came to the United States in December of 1967.
Mrs. Kozaczka retired from St. Vincent Hospital in 1984 after working there many years. She was a member of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church. Janina enjoyed reading, dancing and traveling. She traveled throughout Europe, North America and the Holy Land and had the opportunity to meet with Pope John Paul II. She was a member of the Medzechow Club in Chicopee, MA. Mrs. Kozaczka was a devoted mother and grandmother, who was looked upon as a wise and clever business woman who was the heart of her family. She was not only a parent to her children but a friend, mentor and confidant. She will be remembered for her love and pride of her family. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Summit Elder Care for their kind and considerate care provided their mother during her illness.
The funeral will be held on Friday, February 5, from HENRY - DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward St., with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 34 Ward St. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery. Calling hours in the funeral home will be Thursday, February 4, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 34 Ward St, Worcester, MA 01610 or Summit Eldercare, 277 East Mountain St., Worcester, MA, 01606.