Roberta Carol "Bobbie" Kowalski

East Lyme - Roberta "Bobbie" Carol (Meadnis) Kowalski, of East Lyme, passed away July 14, 2010, at home after a valiant battle with cancer.

Bobbie was born July 22, 1930, the fourth of seven children to Robert Chauncy and Ruth (Main) Meadnis. She grew up in Golden Spur and attended Flanders Elementary School. She graduated from Chapman Technical High School and the New London School of Business.

On May 8, 1953, she married William Kowalski, and together they raised their four children. She was a lifelong resident of East Lyme, who lived life to the fullest, finding joy and beauty in every day. She loved to travel and did so often with her husband and sisters but always looked forward to coming home to the shore.

She is survived by her husband, William Kowalski and their children, Pam and Stephen Price of East Lyme, Bill Kowalski of New London, Kim and Jeff Welcome of East Lyme, and Jonathan and Lissa Kowalski of Mystic. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Quinn Kelly and his wife, Bethany, Drew and Taylor Price, Avery Welcome, Jacob, Nathan, and Hayden Kowalski; and a sister, Ruth Reynolds of Seal Beach, Calif.

Bobbie will be fondly remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, love of family, and zest for life. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. One of her greatest joys was her grandchildren, and she was a vocal fan at many soccer, basketball, little league, cheerleading, and karate events. It was not unusual to find her digging in the backyard to gather worms for her grandsons' fishing trips, baking up a storm for holidays, or regaling the family with entertaining stories from her youth. Bobbie had a warm and open nature and made friends wherever she went, always making the other person the center of attention. Her laugh was infectious and frequent. Bobbie was a wonderful woman who led a life to be proud of. We are eternally grateful for all the joy and happiness she gave each and every one of us.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 22, at Flanders Baptist and Community Church. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Flanders Baptist and Community Church, the Jane Scott Mission Fund, c/o Flanders Baptist and Community Church, 138 Boston Post Road, East Lyme CT 06333; or the Charles Reynolds Fund at Someone Cares Soup Kitchen and Children's Tutoring Center, 720 West 19th St., Costa Mesa CA 92627.

For directions or obituary information, please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com