Rosemary Krziwda

My grandmother was a radiant light in my life, transforming every visit to her home in Pennsylvania, or when she came to ours, into cherished memories.

As a child, I spent countless hours in her house talking, joking, and watching television together as her Chihuahua, Peanut, scampered around us. Her backyard was my playground, complete with a swing set, a shed full of toys, and an inflatable pool. Whether splashing in the pool or swinging on the swings, I found immense joy. Each night after I put my PJs on, she´d tuck me in with hilarious stories that sent me to sleep laughing and smiling.

Her goofy humor and infectious laughter made every moment special. Grandma had a gift for spreading joy, weaving humor and love into everything she did. Her vibrant spirit and unmatched ability to make everyone around her smile left a lasting impact. Though she now rests in peace, her positivity and the memories we shared will live on in me and in everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

It is with the heaviest of hearts and a sadness extremely hard to explain with words that shows how I feel about the loss of my Mother-in-Law, Rosemary Krziwda, or Mrs. K, to me.

Simply put, she was one of the kindest women I knew, who was extremely supportive, compassionate, open, honest, a true friend in every sense of the word and a mother-in-law who was second to none.

I recall that any issue I had, she always had time to lend an ear and put things in perspective. For instance, I remember times when I was active duty and facing several challenges at one time, she would always remind me not to worry and to make sure that I should just do one thing at a time, starting with the most important. Sound advice that would always be reassuring, comforting and confident building, which always put me at ease. This is advice that I use today with others I know.

Furthermore, among the many things that she was, she was an achiever, who could tackle any task that came her way. No task was too great. This trait was evidenced in so many ways, but especially with her children. She raised three beautiful daughters, who not only carry forward those aforementioned traits, but also demonstrate their ability to pay it forward to others as well. No small task!

Finally, I will never forget all of the fun times we had as a family, whether it was going to Disney, visiting us while stationed throughout the country, or just cutting up the floor after one of Jacqueline´s Sunday dinners. Each and every one is priceless and will remain in my heart forever.

Mrs. K - Know this: Everyone that had the privilege knowing you was a better person for it. I know I am, and I will never forget that or you! Rest in peace until we meet again.

Rosemary...I never had the pleasure of meeting you personally but I am lucky enough to have met your wonderful daughter, Janine. She has had nothing but amazing things to say about you. May you rest in peace and continue to light up every room you walk into.