Maria Kalinowska

Maria (Niestieruk) Kalinowska passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, at Mercy Medical Center, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on December 18, 1945, in Bialystok, Poland, the beloved daughter of the late Aleksander and Zofia Niestieruk. Raised and educated in Poland, Maria carried the strong traditions of her homeland with her when she immigrated to the United States, eventually settling in the Springfield area, where she built a life centered on family, faith, and hard work. Maria worked for many years as a talented seamstress. With skilled hands and a patient heart, she dedicated herself not only to her craft but also to caring for those she loved. As the youngest of nine children, she was the baby of the family, a role she cherished throughout her life. Above all, Maria was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She leaves her three loving children: Marek Kalinowski and his wife Krystyna of Poland; Agnieszka Szleszynski and her husband Robert of Somers, Connecticut; and Julita LaPalm and her partner James Murray of Springfield. She was the proud and devoted grandmother of Iga, Gabriela, Milena, Sylvia and her husband, Michael Rodgers, Michael and his fiancé, Katie Amara, Izabella, Elizabeth, Mylai, Gavin, and Milo, and she also leaves two cherished great-grandchildren. Her family was her greatest joy, and she treasured every moment spent with them. Family and friends will gather on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield, MA, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at Holy Cross Church, 221 Plumtree Road, Springfield. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Park Cemetery, 895 Parker Street, Springfield, MA. Maria's warmth, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to her family will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.