WEBSTER – Barbara A. Nowakowski, 85, passed away unexpectedly at her home on September 11, 2010. Her husband, Theodore S. “Ted” Nowakowski, died in 1973.
She leaves her daughter, Cynthia A. Belovitch and her husband Michael of Dudley, and her much loved grandson, Army Major John F. Popiak and his wife Army Major Elizabeth Anderson, both stationed in Afghanistan. Her dear friend Charles Girard predeceased her in 1997.
She was born in Webster, the only daughter of John F. “Pinky” and Victoria (Ostrokolowicz) Penkala. She graduated from Bartlett High School in 1943.
Mrs. Nowakowski worked in the family business, Middlesex Casket Company, until the death of her husband and the sale of the business. Gathering her courage and indomitable spirit, she then enrolled in a program for widowed/divorced women seeking to learn job skills in Washington, DC, where she trained in housekeeping management. She was the Director of Housekeeping at Becker College for many years and then at Central New England College, both in Worcester, until she “retired.”
Although retired, Barbara was the smiling face giving out samples and coupons on the weekends at Stop & Shop in Sturbridge or in Putnam, CT and more recently at Market Basket in Oxford.
She was a member of Saint Joseph Basilica. She was a longtime member of the Webster Emblem Club, serving twice as its president and many terms as marshall.
Barbara was a people person who enjoyed family and friends. Her most precious time was spent with her family and especially her grandson, the light of her life. She maintained her independence and fierce spirit throughout her life. She will be greatly missed.
The funeral will be held Friday, September 17, from Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street, with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Saint Joseph Basilica, 53 Whitcomb Street. Burial will be in Saint Joseph Garden of Peace. Calling hours will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday, September 16, in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Army Emergency Relief, 200 Stovall St., Alexandria, VA 22332 (aerhq.org) or to the Wounded Warrior Project, 7020 AC Skinner Pkwy, Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32256 (woundedwarrior.org).