Online Obituaries

Stefie A. (Swol) Wcislo, 99, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 22, 2019. She was born on February 9, 1920 in Chicopee, Mass. to Felix and Nellie Swol. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 57 years, John Wcislo and by her sister, Phyllis (Swol) Kudla and a brother, Stanley Swol. Stefie is survived by her loving daughter, Janice Mitchell, son-in-law, Walter Mitchell, her loving son, John Wcislo, Jr and daughter-in-law, Bridget Wcislo. She is lovingly remembered by granddaughter, Julie Mitchell and grandson, Michael Wcislo. She is also survived by 4 nieces; Susan Radner, Susan Finn, Deborah Balcanoff, and Sharon Mitchell, along with many great nieces and nephews.

Stefie, her parents, and siblings moved back to Poland when she was age 1. She has told her son that she returned to the United States permanently at age 7 (through Ellis Island), after having gone to 1st grade in Poland. For this reason, she would say jokingly, in later years, that she had studied abroad. Stefie attended Chicopee High School, class of 1938. She attended Bay Path Institute (now Bath Path University) when it was still located in Springfield, Mass. and graduated in 1939. She worked for Samuel Black from 1940-1941. She then worked at what she later referred to as the most interesting job of her career, at the draft board in Springfield, from 1941-1945, processing young men for military service during World War II. After the war, she worked at Westover in the statistics area and later as a secretary to the military brass on base until 1951, the year of her marriage.

She was a devoted member of St. Stanislaus Parish in Chicopee for many years and shared her spirituality with her family. She was very proud of her Polish heritage, was an excellent cook and rejoiced in becoming a grandmother. Stefie was involved in physical activities such as candlepin bowling, golf and square dancing. She was an active member of the family social organization known as the “Jolly Diners”. She enjoyed travelling with her husband John. They took a number of tours with friends and relatives, accumulating many wonderful memories. Their most memorable and emotional trip was to Poland. There, they visited, dined, and connected with many relatives. She spoke fondly of this trip on a number of occasions. Stefie’s energy, enthusiasm, and love of family will be remembered and missed.

The family is grateful to staff and caregivers at CareOne at Redstone in East Longmeadow for providing a comfortable, clean and safe environment for Stefie in her later years. She could always count on a friendly hello from them. Additionally, the family has appreciated the kindness and visits to Stefie from sisters at St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Basilica of St. Stanislaus.
Calling hours are from 4-7 on Wednesday at the Cierpial Memorial Funeral Home on 61 Grape Street in Chicopee. Stefie’s funeral will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at 9 am at the funeral home, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 am at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus on 566 Front Street. Her burial will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery.

While floral arrangements are more than welcome and appreciated, those wishing to make memorial donations in Stefie’s name can consider Macular Degeneration Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871 or St. Stanislaus School, 534 Front Street, Chicopee, MA 01013.