Online Obituaries

Rose Ann (Horak) Kulig, 92, of Chicopee, Massachusetts and daughter of Frank Horak and Marya Berezowska, passed away on September 20, 2015 in Springfield, Massachusetts, surrounded by loving family members.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Walter William Kulig, her brothers Frank, Jr., John and Alyk, and her sister Anna.  She is survived by her daughter Barbara, sons John and Alan, grandchildren Elena, Rhys, Nicholas, David, Michael and Sarah, brothers Fred and Michael and sisters Thelma and Helen.

Rose, a lifelong resident of Chicopee, was born December 7, 1922, and graduated from Chicopee High School in 1940.  During the Second World War, Rose’s future husband Walter served in the Navy, and she contributed to the war effort by working for the American Red Cross.  After her children were born, Rose, who truly loved children and stressed the importance of education, worked as a school aide for over 30 years, earning the love and respect of the students she nurtured.

Rose inspired strong family ties, both with the meals she provided and the thoughtful discussions she encouraged at the dinner table.  She used the English language imaginatively, expressing herself in unusual yet endearing ways.  Her hobbies included cooking, gardening, reading, and especially spending time with her grandchildren.  In addition, in her younger years, Rose loved to dance.

Rose will be remembered for her outspoken candor as well as for her ability to forgive unconditionally.  Her warm smile and laughter brought joy to those who experienced them.  She will be missed by all those who knew and loved her.

At the family’s request, funeral services were private.  She is interred with her husband at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.  In honor of Rose’s memory, please consider donating to the Shriners Hospital for Children, Springfield, Massachusetts.