HOLYOKE

Jean M. Wesolaski, a long time resident of Holyoke, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at the Holyoke Health Care Center on August 29, 2017 at the age of 98.  Jean was married for 59 years to Walter J. Wesolaski, a decorated World War II combat veteran and a Holyoke firefighter, who passed away in 2001.  Jean was born in Chicopee, Massachusetts.  Her parents, Adam and Catherine (Giera) Lonczak and her brother Bill died of influenza when she was a baby.  After a brief time in an orphanage, Jean’s godmother Johanna (Bury) Sondej and her husband Jacob Sondej adopted and raised her.  Jean outlived her adoptive brothers William and John (Father Cyprian) Sondej and her sister Rose (Lonczak) Biernacki.  Jean is survived by her four beloved children: Walter, Kathi, Roz, Gene and their spouses; eight grandchildren, ten great grandchildren; and her dear niece Mania.  Jean attended the Mater Dolorosa School and graduated from Holyoke High School.  She was a lifelong parishioner of the Mater Dolorosa Church and was an active participant in the recent “Save the Mater Dolorosa Church” movement.  As a proud member of the greatest generation, she worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” during World War II at Worthington Corporation in Holyoke.  After the War, she raised her four children with her husband Walter and worked as a classroom assistant for special needs children for over 25 years.  Jean was an avid traveler, enjoyed antique car shows, flea markets, knitting, cooking and bingo. She was proud of her Polish heritage, a devout Catholic and loved living in the City of Holyoke. During her latter retirement years, Jean enjoyed spending most of her days at the Holyoke Senior Center.  She appreciated the staff for their kindness, care and had many friends there. Jean lived independently until her health declined earlier this year.  She was a woman filled with happiness, love, and enthusiasm for life and family.  She will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.There are no calling hours.  A memorial mass will be celebrated at Saint Patrick Chapel of Saint Jerome Church, in Holyoke on Monday September 11, 2017 at 9:00 AM. Internment will follow at the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, Massachusetts where she will forever rest alongside her husband.  Contributions in her memory may be made to the Holyoke Golden Senior Club c/o The Holyoke Counsel on Aging, 291 Pine Street, Holyoke, Massachusetts, 01040.