…Missionary in Africa for 20 years; 81
TEWKSBURY - Mrs. Molly Kowalczyk Miranda, age 81, died peacefully at her Tewksbury home surrounded by her beloved family, after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. Ironically, she was never a cigarette smoker.
She was born in Brooklyn, NY, on December 11, 1930, one of three children of the late Frank and Helen (Tznadel) Kowalczyk. She was raised in Brooklyn, and entered Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster, MA, where she met her beloved future husband, Joaquim. Upon his graduation and ordination as a Minister, they married and were assigned to Angola, Africa, as Missionaries for the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The couple served in Africa for twenty years, where they welcomed their daughter Marlene into the world. The family left Africa in fear for their lives during the height of racial and civil wars in Angola. They moved to Portugal, and eventually returned to the U.S. in 1969. The church hierarchy placed Rev. Miranda in Newark, N.J., then North Dartmouth, MA and then to Tewksbury, MA where they had remained after retirement.
Besides her beloved husband, Joaquim, and devoted daughter, Marlene M. Miranda, with whom she resided in Tewksbury. She also leaves a sister, Madeline Alongi and her husband of FL; sister-in-law of W. Boylston, MA and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She also left numerous friends from all over the U.S. and the World and dear friends who have supported her throughout her illness.
She was predeceased by her brother, Frank Kowalczak Jr., who died as he served our great country during the Korea War.
Two Memorial Services are being planned, one in English and one in Portuguese, and will be announced when the details are available.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Lowell Humane SOciety 951 Broadway St., Lowell, MA 01854, will be appreciated