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1924
2015
Wladyslawa 'Laura' Szczepanik Baran Linden distillery forelady, devoted member of Bayway community, captivated and enlightened many with detailed accounts of her family's past Wladyslawa "Laura" Szczepanik Baran, 90, passed away peacefully on Aug. 26, 2015, at McAuley Hall Health Care Center, Watchung, N.J., after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Visiting is today (Friday) from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015, at 9 a.m. from Krowicki McCracken Funeral Home, 2124 East St. George Ave., Linden, N.J. (908) 352-9190. Funeral Mass is at St. Hedwig R.C. Church, Elizabeth, at 10 a.m. Interment is in St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia, N.J. Send online condolences to krowickifuneralhome.com. Laura, the last remaining of six siblings, was born in the Bayway section of Elizabeth, on Sept. 28, 1924. Daughter of the late Wojciech and Helena (Madera) Szczepanik, she was a graduate of Battin High School, and saw her role in the household advance as the middle daughter, caring for the family as well as helping support our country through World War II by working an assembly line at General Motors, the largest provider of military vehicles during that time of war. Following her employment at GM, Laura joined Gordon's Dry Gin Distillery in Linden and quickly rose to a management position as forelady, then remaining with the company until her retirement in 1981. Laura also held other positions of leadership and committee positions within the Bayway community. It was always enlightening to listen to Laura speak about the individual and family sacrifices experienced during the Great Depression, the joy of welcoming soldiers back from World War II, delight in spending time with close-knit family and neighborhood friends, memorable local dances, weekend picnics, and her Eastern European heritage. She was a gifted cook and baker, and loved to entertain and share a good laugh. Laura will be remembered for her numerous talents, hard work, quick wit and passion for life. Laura was predeceased by sisters, Sophia Kunka (Andrew), Estelle Samsel (Stanley), Stephanie Szczepanik, Benedict B. Szczepanik (Anne), and Matilda C. Kunka (John). Laura is survived by her husband, Richard, of 53 years, and many loving nieces, especially those who remained close until her final days, Mary Toy (Dick), Barbara Cop (John), Delores Narag (Rudy), Jane Kunka, Kathy Szczepanik (Dan), Laura Ann Skae (Bob), and nephews George Kunka (Diana), John Kunka (Lucie), grandnieces and nephews, and many affectionate relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation, in her memory to McAuley Health Care Center, 1633 U.S. Highway 22, Watchung, N.J. 07069.
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6 Entries
I am so sorry to hear the news about Mrs Baran! She was a regular customer at the Clark SR and I loved her fiesty wit and regularly looked for her. My deepest condolences to Mr Baran and all of her family.
Marge M.
September 5, 2015
My sincere condolences to the family. I hope that your many fond memories will comfort you and that the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts (Fla)
August 29, 2015
These can be difficult times but may you reflect on the fond memories you shared as a family and friends while we await the fulfillment of God's promise of the opportunity to see our love ones again. My condolences to the family.
August 29, 2015
God Bless. My mother, Andrea "Cookie" Soyka Tusin, always had loving memories of her. With deepest sympathy.
August 28, 2015
To my Aunt and Godmother.
Nora Mislan
August 28, 2015
My sincere condolences to the family on the loss of your beloved one. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort. Draw close to him and he will draw close to you.
August 28, 2015
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Krowicki McCracken Funeral Home2124 E St. Georges Ave, Linden, NJ 07036
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