She was the devoted and loving wife of Stanley Lukowski with whom she shared 60 years of marriage. She was his rock. Born in New Britain, CT she was the daughter of factory working parents, the late Walter and Helen Galazka and sister of Walter Galazka, wife Florence Galazka, of Bonneau Beach, SC.
Rita grew up in the Polish, working-class community of New Britain where she met Stan in First Communion class. They eventually started dating their senior year of high school and married in 1963. They started their professional careers in North Bergen, New Jersey commuting into New York City. The two New Englanders were not long for city life and less than two years later moved back to Newington, CT to start a family.
Rita’s three children and six grandchildren were her life. Her eldest is Maribeth (Lukowski) Sanders of Boise, ID and her two children Libby of Twin Falls, ID, and Sarah of College Station, TX. Her son Jim Lukowski and wife Melissa reside in Coto de Caza, CA, with their two children Dariusz and Anneke. Her youngest Doreen (Lukowski-Rizza) Chapman and husband Michael call Kiawah Island, SC, home. Rita’s Thanksgiving home away from home. Their two children, Margaret of Columbia, and Nicholas of West Ashley, also reside in South Carolina.
Rita & Stan moved their team of five to Topsfield, MA in the late 60’s where they raised their family spending almost the next 50 years. Rita was the family engine and driver of all activities. An athlete herself, a lover of tennis and golf, she never missed one of her children’s games or school events. She was the educator and family epicenter with a passion for cooking and travel. The trip to her native Poland with family was one for the ages. Nothing mattered more to her than family, always checking in on the grandchildren and Lucky 13. Her yearn to escape cold New England winters took her to her second love, Naples, a place they called home for the last twenty years.
Rita was a faithful friend to many. Her quick wit and northeast sense of humor were infectious and will be missed by all. The last twenty years of her life were hard-earned, not given. Her grit and determination were legendary and will forever be an example for all of us. A special thank you to Carlene Robinson for her amazing support.
Services will be held on Saturday, September 16th at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Naples, FL at 10:00am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Rita H. Lukowski to Salem Hospital (Annual Fund) or in memory of Rita H. Lukowski to MassGeneralBrigham (President’s Fund)
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hodgesfhatnaplesmg.com for the Lukowski family.
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