Wanda Szafranski

Wanda (Palczynski) Szafranski passed away peacefully at home on July 25, 2019. She was born June 11, 1924, the eldest child of the late Albin and Mary (Jakobowski) Palczynski. She was predeceased by her husband, Stanley Szafranski. She was also predeceased by her dear aunt, Nellie Jakobowski, as well as sons David and Peter, and brothers, John, a former mayor of Westfield and Albin. She is survived by sons Mark and John (Francesca) of Texas, Paul (Tanisha) of Boston, Daniel of Westfield, and daughters June Massee of Blandford, Susan Bourbonnais of West Springfield, Barbara (Robert) of Springfield and Gail (David) of Williamsburg. She is also survived by sisters Mary Olechny of Enfield, CT and Eleanor Poster of New York City as well as her cherished 16 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. And of course, her beloved cat, Nixy. Wanda was a children’s librarian at the Springfield City Library for over 30 years. After her retirement, she pursued a lifelong dream of attending and graduating from Smith College in Northampton, as an Ada Comstock scholar, where she earned her BA in English in 2001. She went on to attain to her Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from AIC in Springfield. She was a communicant of St. Joseph National Catholic Church in Westfield, MA. She was also a member of the Westfield Women’s Club for many years. Wanda was a classical music devotee who enjoyed going to concerts given by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. It was at the Symphony in 1948, on a blind date, that she met Stanley Szafranski, the man who would become her husband. She also enjoyed lunches and dinners with her retired friends from the City Library. She loved doing crossword puzzles. But above all, Wanda enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. She will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her. Calling hours are 5-8 pm July 30, 2019 at Firtion-Adams Funeral Service 76 Broad Street Westfield MA. A funeral Mass will be held July 31, 2019 at 10 am at St. Joseph National Catholic Church 73 Main Street Westfield MA followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery Southampton Road Westfield MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wanda’s memory to the Springfield Symphony Orchestra 1441 Main Street Springfield 01103 or at www.SpringfieldSymphony.org.

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