Cecelia T. (Guzaj) Szala, 87, of New Bedford died Saturday January 27, 2007 unexpectedly at Hathaway Manor Extended Care Facility. She was the wife of the late Alfred A. Szala, who passed away on Dec. 12, 2006; they had been married for 62 years.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Joseph and Teofilia (Wienzek) Guzaj, she lived in Dartmouth for most of her life.
She was a communicant of St. Julie Billiart Church.
Mrs. Szala was formerly employed at the Star Store, where she was well-known in the hoisery department. She later worked as a department manager at the Outlet Company at the Dartmouth Mall until her retirement.
She was a former member of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church Choir, the Polish Women's Business Association, and the Polish American Veterans Auxiliary.
Survivors include three daughters, Susan Olson and her husband Donald of North Port, FL, Rita Owen and her husband David of Raleigh, NC, and Joann Medeiros and her husband Michael of Dartmouth; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was the sister of the late Constantin and Joseph Guzaj.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 1 PM in St. Julie Billiart Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday from 6-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.