Wanda Assanowicz ( - 2004)
Businesswoman, bakerWanda Assanowicz (nee Gizara), Sept 29, 2004. Wanda was born in Philadelphia to immigrant parents and raised with 4 sisters and 3 brothers in a bilingual Polish Household. Though coming from a family of limited means, and not have benefit of complete education. Wanda's indomitable spirit and boundless energy served her well in her many life endeavors.
She was a loving and faithful wife, as well as a full business partner and lifetime companion to her late husband, Edward Assanowicz. Together, they developed and operated Chatham Pastry Shop, which for several decades, flourished as a local landmark in the Port Richmond neighborhood. She spent her later years with Eddie and her constant four legged companion, "Honey" at the Jersey Shore, and in 1998 took residence at Crest Haven Nursing Home.
She is survived by her son, Bill McCabe, his wife Thongbai and their children, Ting, Jennifer and Sharon, all who benefitted and flourished from her (and Eddie's) many sacrifices. She is also survived by sisters, Regina Topham and Helen Miller, brother John Gizara, their families and the many offspring of her deceased brothers and sisters.
Among those who knew her, she was friend, confidant, counselor, card reader, loving sister, impossible mother, opinionated aunt, critic, supporter and not infrequently...silent (and sometimes not so silent) benefactor. Though not always tactful in her comments and actions, or judicious in her expenditures, she impacted and affected all who knew her. With her passing there stands emptiness and silence, once aflame with humanity in its finest blossom. We will hold her radiant smile and the incredible memories in our hearts forever. Get ready up there...here she comes.
Relatives and friends invited to Viewing and Funeral Saturday, 8 A.M., The Tomaszewski Funeral Home, 2728-30 E. Allegheny Ave. Tel. 215-739-6624 (Allegheny Exit I-95, corner Salmon St.). Funeral Mass, 10 A.M., St. Adalbert Church. Interment Our Lady of Grace Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Cresthaven Residents Trust Fund, 4 Moore Rd., Cape May Court House NJ 08210, preferred.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, Oct. 6, 2004.
PRCUA Society 2022 Expressions of SympathyOn September 29, 2004, our member, Wanda Assanowicz, was called to her Eternal Rest. Formerly of Port Richmond, Wanda operated the Chatham Pastry Shop which for many decades served as a local land mark in Port Richmond where "the very best" strawberry shortcakes and banana cream pies" were baked and sold. Wanda later moved to the Jersey Shore and in 1998 took residence at the Crest Haven Nursing Home. She is survived by her son, Bill, a daughter-in-law and 3 grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Adalbert Church with interment at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery.
On October 4, 2004, our member, Mary Wojtkowski, was called to her Eternal Rest. Mary was a member of our society since 1949 and participated in all our society activities. She is survived by her many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Adalbert Church with interment at Holy Redeemer Cemetery.
The Officers and Members of Society 2022 mourn the loss of two special members. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with the Assanowicz and Wojtkowski Families in this time of sorrow. May Christ console your grieving hearts and may the departed souls of Wanda Assanowicz and Mary Wojtkowski rest in Eternal Peace.
Elaine Burkhardt, Recording Secretary
Source: Narod Polski (Polish Nation), Nov. 1, 2004.