WORCESTER____Sophie (Kowalczyk) Gawronski Vasil, 79, of 2 Lafayette St., formerly of 61 Harlem St., died Tuesday February 14 in her home. Her husband, Christy Vasil died in 2002. Her first husband, Kazimierz Gawronski died in 1969.
She leaves a son, Mark J. Gawronski and his wife Jean of Millbury; two daughters, Elizabeth T. Kurowski and her husband Frank of Keene, NH, and Dorothy I. Provencal of Worcester; a brother, George Kowalczyk of Peterborough, England; a sister, Alina Rybicki of Spencer; six grandsons, Kirk, Keith and Kevin Kurowski, Luke, Jacob and Adam Gawronski, a granddaughter, Sarah Provencal, a great-granddaughter, Jayden Marie Gawronski and cousins, nephews and nieces in the United States and Europe. She was predeceased by two brothers, Swietoslaw and Anatol Kowalczyk. She was born and raised in Poland, a daughter of Marek and Julia (Charlamow) Kowalczyk and later lived four years in England and has lived here since 1952.
Mrs. Vasil was well known for her work as a sales clerk for 40 years at Widoffs Bakery and retired in 2000. She was a member of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church and the church choir and was a soloist there. She was also a member of Our Lady of Czestochowa Womens Guild. Sophie was a member and past president of the former Polish Army Veterans Auxiliary.
In her younger days Sophie enjoyed participating in Polish folk dance festivals. She also loved the seashore often taking her grandchildren when they were younger. Sophie loved people often offering a hand to those just coming here from Poland. She enjoyed visits from her family and telephone visits from her older "pals". Sophie was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be sorely missed.
The funeral will be held on Saturday February 18 from HENRY-DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward St., with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 34 Ward St. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery. Calling hours in the funeral home are Friday February 17 from 5 to 8 pm. The family requests that flowers be omitted.