WORCESTER____Aniela Zuschlag passed away on May 15, 2021 at the age of 93.
Aniela was born in Rakszawa, Poland on July 4, 1927 to her parents Marcin Mierzwa and Katarzyna née Sobus. As a young girl growing up in a country ravaged by World War II, Aniela's childhood was far from ideal. With her parents unable to care for her, Aniela was taken in to work on a farm alongside several other orphaned children. It was here that Aniela developed her unwavering work ethic, refined sewing skills, and love and compassion for animals. When her farm was invaded by German soldiers, she recalled hiding as many animals as she could inside bales of hay out of fear that they would be taken. She also recounted nearly being shot as she cleaned laundry in the river, and using her sewing needles to defend herself from hostile soldiers.
Even under such harsh conditions, Aniela continued to thrive. In the 1960's, she moved to Worcester Massachusetts with her husband Zbigniew "Ziggy" Zuschlag becoming US citizens by the mid 70's. She quickly found work as a seamstress and machinist, and made hobbies of gardening and building and renovating homes with her husband and two sons, Witold "Vito" Zuschlag and Walter Zuschlag.
Aniela was a kind-hearted woman with a larger-than-life personality; a loving mother, wife, and grandmother who spoiled her family with all of the things she was never afforded while growing up in Poland.
Aniela took extreme pride in her 5 grandchildren (Alena, Jonathan, Tara, Caitlin, and Christina) and two great grandchildren (Lincoln and Leighton) to whom she was affectionately known as "Bapcia". They will forever cherish their countless memories of her enthusiastic singing, iconic dance moves, clever jokes that translated terribly, and her pierogies that were without a doubt the best in the world.
Before passing, Aniela forged a 93 year trail of laughter, generosity, and compassion. She grew up in the harshest of environments with nothing to her name. Through sacrifice, willpower and relentless perseverance, she built the foundation upon which generations of family members can now live so comfortably with nearly limitless opportunity. Anyone that has had the pleasure to know Aniela is left with a lasting impression of how to appreciate the little things in life, and what true happiness really looks like. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by many.
Aniela Zuschlag is survived by her son's Witold Zuschlag, Walter Zuschlag his wife Suzanne Zuschlag, her grandchildren Tara Zuschlag, Caitlin Zuschlag, Alena Zuschlag, Christina Zuschlag and Jonathan Zuschlag, and two great grandchildren Lincoln and Leighton Lindsey.
A calling hour will be held on Saturday May 22, 2021 from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM (NOON) in HENRY-DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward Street. Aniela’s funeral service will follow the calling hour at 12:00 PM in the funeral home. Burial will be private in All Faiths Cemetery.