Wanda M. Wrobel Obituary (2023)

FALL RIVER ... Wanda M. (Wojtowicz) Wrobel, age 100, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at St. Anne's Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. A lifelong resident of the city, Wanda was born in Fall River to the late Michael and Magdalena (Lipowicz) Wojtowicz. She was the widow of the late George A. Wrobel. Wanda attended St. Stanislaus Grammar School, Durfee High School (1940), received an Associates Degree in Business Administration from Bryant College in 1942 and later attended Suffolk University to complete her B.S. and MA Degrees in Education. Though her first job was selling bank life insurance at the Fall River 5-cent Savings Bank, her passion was education. She pursued that dream as an elementary school teacher for 30 years at the Aldrich and Watson Schools in Fall River. Upon retirement, she studied Polish language and culture at the Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Poland. Mrs. Wrobel continued to teach by volunteering at St. Stanislaus School for 25 years imparting Polish culture and traditions for new generations in the parish. Wanda served her nation as a volunteer during World War II in the U.S. Women's Coast Guard Reserve (SPARS) 1942-44. She was a member of the Union -Truesdale and St. Anne's Hospital Board of Directors, and a highly-valued Member and Secretary of the Polish National Alliance (Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton Groups - Lodge #1887). Wanda was also a Founding Member and Chronicler for Michael's Fund (25 years), created, in memory of her grandson, Michael David Wrobel, who passed away from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Along with her late husband George, they established 2 successful Fall River businesses, the Wrobel Upholstery & Gift Shop and the Park View Dairy Bar. As a lifelong member of St. Stanislaus Parish, she was a Recording Secretary for the PTA/PTO and the St. Stanislaus Seniors and also worked at the St. Stanislaus Credit Union for 7 years. Wanda was a recipient of the Marian Medal (2002) and a long-time member of the parish's Holy Rosary Sodality and Krakowiak Dancing Group. In her leisure time, Wanda was a world-traveler who enjoyed expressing herself in her works-of-art in which she developed her skills and evolved into a talented painter. Wanda is survived by her sons, George L. Wrobel of Richmond, TX (wife Kathryn); daughter, Nancy A. Sousa of Westport, MA (husband Tony); Thomas M. Wrobel of Fall River, MA (wife Cindy) grandchildren, Luke A. Wrobel and Jennie-Mikala Chekares; great-grandchildren, Zachariah M. Wrobel, Sophie, Isabelle, Andrew, and Gabriel Chekares. She was also Godmother to Christopher B. Haponik, Victor S. Bednarz and Caroleen Jolivet. In addition to her beloved husband, she was predeceased by her dear grandson, the late, Michael David Wrobel and her brothers, the late, Steven and Edward Wojtowicz. Funeral service, to which relatives and friends are invited to attend, will be held at 9 a.m. on Monday, July 31, 2023 at South Coast Funeral Home, 1555 Pleasant Street, Fall River, MA. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Church, 37 Rockland Street, Fall River, MA followed by interment at Notre Dame Cemetery in Fall River. Visitation will take place 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 30, 2023 at the funeral home. In an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation to: Michael's Fund, 966 Walnut Street, Fall River 02720 or St. Stanislaus School, 37 Rockland Street, Fall River 02724.