Maria Dziendzielewicz Wieckowski , April 18, 1925 — October 21, 2018

HOLYOKE Maria (Dziendzielewicz) Wieckowski passed away on October 21, 2018. She was born April 18, 1925 in Huta-Rozaniecka, Poland. In 1939, Maria, her sister, two younger brothers and parents were separated from her two older brothers and forced to leave their home as part of the WWII Soviet invasion.

She endured incredible loss and illness over the next six years. Maria and her family were placed in a labor camp in Siberia, and then as refugees, were moved to Uzbekistan, Iran, India, Tanzania, and finally Scotland. Maria married Waclaw Wieckowski in 1948 and moved to the town of Wolverhampton, England.

They had their first child Hedy, in 1951. The Wieckowski family emigrated to Holyoke, Massachusetts in 1958. Son Edward, was born in 1962.

They became US citizens in 1964. Maria found joy in her flower gardens as a child in Poland, as a young adult in Africa, and throughout her life in Holyoke. Her family meant the world to her.

She loved big family meals and being spunky “Babci” with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Maria’s career as a seamstress in Holyoke and Chicopee spanned 38 years. In addition to her indelible work ethic, her faith was very important to her.

Maria always shared her positive outlook, encouragement, generosity, and a vibrant sense of humor with everyone around her. Maria was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Waclaw Wieckowski; her sister, Janina Dziendzielewicz; and four brothers: Waclaw Dziendzielewicz of Holyoke, and Jan, Tomasz, and Julian Dziendzielewicz. She is survived by her daughter, Hedy Cavanaugh and her husband David of Holyoke; her son Edward Wieckowski and his wife Kara of Brookline, MA; six grandchildren: Paul Cavanaugh and his wife Tara of Wilmington, MA, Vanessa Beattie of Westfield, Meghan Parpos and her husband Peter of Wayland, MA; Hannah Wieckowski, Bridget Wieckowksi, and Noah Wieckowski, all of Boston; six great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law Lucy Dziendzielewicz; and several nieces and nephews.

Maria was a role model in love, faith and family values. Her recipes, morning workouts and loving prayers will always be remembered. The funeral will be held Friday October 26 at 9:00am from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, with the funeral Mass to follow at 10:00am in Our Lady of the Cross Parish Church.

Burial will be in Mater Dolorosa Cemetery, South Hadley. Calling hours are Thursday October 25 from 4:00 to 7:00pm.

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