Virginia PAJAKOWSKI

16 SEP 1913 - 8 DEC 2010

• BIRTH: 16 SEP 1913, South Bend, IN
• DEATH: 8 DEC 2010, South Bend, IN

• MARRIAGE: 20 NOV 1933, St Adalberts, South Bend, Indiana

INDEX

[N11072] Virginia Krol
Sept. 16, 1913 - Dec. 8, 2010
SOUTH BEND - Virginia Krol, 97, fell asleep with her angels at her side on December 8, the beautiful Feast of the Immaculate Conception, in her home where she lived with her beloved daughter, friend, and caretaker, Sylvia. She was born on September 16, 1913 to Helen (Kalamaja) and Stephan Pajakowski, who preceded her in death. Upon the premature death of her mother, Virginia, at age 14, she immediately learned how to cook, clean and raise a family of a father, four brothers and a two-week old baby sister. These responsibilities would continue for the next 82 years and life would not be easy for her. On November 29, 1933, at the age of 20, she married Stanley Krol in St. Adalbert's Church. Together they cared for her father and siblings until they too were old enough to marry and move on. Her father passed away in 1958 and during that time they started a family of their own. In the early 40's, they continued to operate a business which they inherited from Salomea and Leo Banicki, Virginia's aunt. The tavern of South Arnold Street was well-known as Stanley's Tavern. They served many fish fries, chicken dinners, and noon lunches to their customers mainly from nearby Oliver Plow Works. They were also known for their delicious homemade pierogi. On many occasions, with her hands in the dough, she directed her daughter, son, Fred and daughter-in-law Monica in how to make them until the fall of 2009. In the late 50's, Virginia was to become a well-known Polish cook around town where she cooked in various halls. In the 60's, her daughter joined her and together they were a popular team until they retired in 2002. In the 70's, many surgeries and declining health issues began to take a toll on her. When she reached the age of 90, her eyesight deteriorated and hearing loss became a factor. Throughout her life she was a strong-willed, witty and supportive woman who always put her concern for others before herself. She never gave up fighting her disabilities. She knew how to give orders to her family right to the bitter end. A quitter she was not, but a true survivor - caring and compassionate. God gave her broad shoulders to bear the heavy burdens that life placed on her and her family. She was outgoing and friendly, always helping others. Virginia was great at reminiscing about the "good old days." Family gatherings on Christmas Eve will never be the same in our home without her. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband Stanley on June 7, 1995, and four brothers, Casimir, Roman, Leo and Ernest. She is survived by three children, Raymond (Sandi Beck), Frederick (Monica Wozniak), and Sylvia, all of South Bend; two grandchildren, Lisa (David) Anderson and Brian Krol, of South Bend; three great-grandchildren, Samantha, Valerie and Dylan Anderson also of South Bend; her sister, Teresa Varda of Wyckoff, NJ; and sisters-in-law, Henrietta and Loretta Pajakowski, Blanche Cenova and Irene Krol of South Bend. Heartfelt thanks go to her physician, Dr. Martin Weischhaus, handyman Kenny Cwidak, and a special godson, Stephen Pajakowski. She was a member of the Altar Rosary Society of St. Casimir Catholic Church and an honorary member of M.F. Falcons. A concelebrated Mass will take place at 10:00 a.m. on December 20, 2010 in St. Casimir Catholic Church. The main celebrant will be Fr. Tom Lemos, C.S.C., friend of the family. Visitation will be at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive on Sunday, December 19 from Noon until 8:00 p.m. A parish rosary will be said at 4:00 p.m. by Sr. Mary Anthony joined by members of the Married Men's Club. A family remembrance by Phyllis Largey and Pat Housekeeper will also take place at that time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family in Virginia's name and donations will be directed according to the family's wishes. Contributions may also be made to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Joseph County. The family sincerely thanks them for their care and concern during her last days.
Published in South Bend Tribune on December 17, 2010