Stella Bernice Nowicki

Stella Bernice Nowicki, as she was known for most of her life. Stanislawa Lisowicz, as she was born on October 4th, 1928, at 5:00pm, at the family home on South 8th St. in Milwaukee as the second youngest of eight children. She picked up the Americanized name of Stella at some point in her childhood, probably as she entered school, and adopted the middle name of Bernice at some unknown time, also (conformation name?). Her mother’s name was known to most as Bernice, but her real name was Bronislawa, and, again, was changed at an unknown time! So many surprises were uncovered in the few weeks after her death.

School days were spent at Oklahoma Ave grade school, and completed at Pulaski High School in 1947. After graduation she worked at the Allen-Bradley Company. She met her husband, Eugene Nowicki, when she was 14 and he was 12 at a dance! They dated off and on, and finally married June 23, 1951, shortly before Eugene went into the Army. When he returned, they bought a home on West Van Norman in Milwaukee. Their children, Janis and Gary, were born while living at that location. In 1960 they built a house far away (LOL!) way over on 78th and Howard, where she stayed until moving into a senior living complex as she got older.

As the kids got old enough to take care of themselves, she worked at Walker’s Maple Grove on 13th St., a place owned by one of our neighbor’s families. She then worked, at that time brand new, Target on Hwy 100 in the Receiving Dept. Probably most of the receiving was by her, because she said that she spent more than what she made there because the deals were too good to pass up! This was evidenced by the over the top number of gifts that were given to her family on numerous occasions and the incredible amount of clothing that she accumulated. We used to tease her that if she wore one new outfit every day for an entire year, she STILL wouldn’t have had to do laundry!

She loved swimming! In fact, when they would travel, either around the state or to Vegas, the places they stayed at HAD to have a pool. Period! Which is why the one in their backyard got a lot of use. She really enjoyed going to Vegas, especially when they won, which was quite often! She always seemed to have the golden touch. So much so, that Janis’ boss used to tell her if she went to Vegas with her she wouldn’t have to work for a living!

Her siblings were extremely important to her. Family gatherings at her parent’s house were always looked forward to. Their mother and all the sisters and sister-in-laws around that kitchen table, speaking half English and half Polish, laughing and talking, together and over each other! En, so? The sound was both deafening and delightful, and so much missed.

The neighbors around 78th St., her sister Genevieve included, would gather at their house for a swim, a beer or three, maybe brandy old fashions, and lively conversation.

She was a good cook and baker, but never turned down a chance to get a Hot Fudge Pecan Sundae at Leon’s, or snag a piece of Quality Candy!

All of us still here, Daughter Janis (John) Sgarlata, Son, Gary (Cyndi), Grandson Nicholas, Great Granddaughter Jena Leintz, the nieces, nephews and friends, will try to carry on her active non-stop spirit.

She lived a good, long life (96 ½!), and now gets to join her parents, Frank & Bernice (Bronislawa Serafin) Lisowicz, and Siblings Julia (Stanley) Demski. Helen (John) Zabkowicz, Stanley (Monica), Frank (Mildred), Genevieve (Sylvester) Hejlik, Alice (Major) Augustine, Dolores (Frank) Kintop, Husband Eugene, Grandaughter Lisa Hadaway-Zawacki, along with many other family members and friends in the glorious afterlife! You should almost be able to hear them from here!!!

A short service will be held at:Mt. Olivet Cemetery – Chapel of the Angels 3801 West Morgan Ave.Milwaukee, WISaturday, April 12, 2025Gathering to start at 10:30am – Service at 10:45am
The PARTY (Stella’s words!) will immediately follow (about 11:45am)Food, Drink, Music,Pictures, and Great Stories!Meyer’s RestaurantThe corner of W. Coldspring and W. Forest Home Ave.This is going to be a FUN event! Please wear colorful clothing – NO Black!And please, NO FLOWERS. Thank you!