FULTON, NY – Renata Wolszczak, 86, formerly of Tonawanda, NY, passed away peacefully Monday April 29, 2019, in Syracuse, NY.
She was born in ?ód?, Poland, and immigrated to the United States in 1951.
Mrs. Wolszczak was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and caring friend.
Mrs. Wolszczak is survived by her husband of 63 years, Mieczyslaw “Michael” Wolszczak of Syracuse; their four children: Elizabeth (Ray) Appleby of Syracuse, Thomas (Tammy) Wolszczak of North Carolina, Robert (Gina) Wolszczak of Buffalo, NY, and Peter (Kelley Cline) Wolszczak of Washington, six grandchildren: Michael, Stephanie, Megan, Robert, Samantha and Christian; and great-grandson, PJ.
Special thanks go to Cynthia Mike and the Jewish Home of CNY, Terrace family, for their support and loving care.
Funeral services will be held 9 a.m. Friday at St. Stanislaus Church, 123 Townsend, Buffalo, NY, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.
Burial will be held in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Cheektowaga, NY.
Calling hours will be conducted 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Daniel R. Smolarek Funeral Home, (2510 Union Road, Cheektowaga.)
The local arrangements are in the care of the Sugar Funeral Home, Inc., 224 W. Second St. S., Fulton, NY.
Renata was born in Poland and lived in orphanages and foster homes, during World War II, throughout Europe, from age 7, as part of the ‘Germanization movement.’
She ended up living in a home for Polish children refugees in Barcelona, Spain from age 11-18.
Her life there, along with other young people who became lifelong friends, were nourished by heroic efforts of Wanda Tozer and many others including Katherine Ciulis.
She moved to the United States when she was 18, sponsored by the Father Baker organization of Lackawanna, NY, and settled in Buffalo, where she lived until 2013.
Meeting Mieczyslaw Wolszczak, they married in 1955.
They made a life in the St. Stanislaus parish area.
Their lives were infused with family, Polish traditions and weekend dances.
Michael and Renata made wonderful and dazzling dancing and life partners.
Their joy of life was shared with many friends – the Bia?eks, Poplewskis, ?uckis and Górskis – to name just a few.
Renata was a wonderful mother who was a lioness with an indomitable spirit when it came to protecting her children.
She always had the mother’s instinct in knowing when they were in trouble or needed extra hugs and advice.
Her and Michael’s hearts were always in giving their children the best they could provide and share.
She enjoyed preparing Polish foods for every holiday, especially Easter and Christmas, and she enjoyed passing on the traditions to her children and grandchildren.
Never a slacker, she was active in Polish School and her children’s school PTAs.
One of her favorite family functions was the Father’s Day picnic she planned every year.
She loved to set up yard games, water balloon fights and then just watch everyone enjoying themselves!
Renata truly enjoyed bowling. She had many 200+ games and her team and she won league championships regularly.
Bowling became a favorite family activity as well.
Renata also volunteered at DeGraff Hospital for several years, working in the gift shop.
Renata maintained a close relationship with her sister-in-law, Wanda Zwolak, and her entire family.
They provided Renata with years of humor, companionship and unending love as well as for the rest of her family.
She had several jobs, working at Millstream Lanes and TOPS Markets.
She took great satisfaction in helping her customers while interacting with them and her fellow workers, and often, becoming their friend and advisor.
She easily offered up her help to young people, neighbors and even strangers.
Her experiences in orphanages made her very sensitive to people in need and without family to help.
Her sensitivity fostered and directed her deep love of family.
In 2012, Renata was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
As time progressed, the disease slowly robbed her of memories and capabilities, but it did not rob her of her spirit and she often showed that strong rebellion against unfairness, only this time it was against the ravages of losses and her lack of control over it.
The nursing home staff and the care they provided was her and our salvation these last years.
People who care for the elderly and sick have a special place in Heaven waiting for them.
Her family has missed Renata’s direct presence in their lives over these last few years.
Yet, when visited by family and friends, it seemed she tried to put her best forward, still trying to interact and provide companionship, as she could.
In a very recent visit from her infant great-grandson and granddaughter, she exhibited much joy and love, more than had been seen in recent months.
Michael, the love of her life, continued with his caring ways for his wife.
Even in his last talks to her, he spoke of their fun times dancing, picnics and long car rides and meeting up in another place to continue the fun.
To the end, he loved her with his whole heart.
Thank you mom, for all you were.
Slideshow of many of her wonderful memories
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