Stefania Rogalski

Stefania Rogalski, 91, peacefully passed away Thursday, November 10, 2016 at her residence in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She was born on August 13, 1925 in Podhorce, Poland. In January 1942, amidst German occupation of Poland, she married Frank Rogalski, the two were later separated in forced labor camps. Near the end of the war they reunited and fled as refugees to Canada and lived in a tent camp before immigrating the U.S. They worked hard to adapt and build a life in Queens, NY while raising their five children before later retiring to Belleview, FL.

Stefania was an avid gardener and fond of roses, lilies and violets, which occupied her window sill even at her passing. Shortly after retiring her husband passed away and Stefania never remarried. She embraced her independence and learned new things, like becoming a licensed driver in her 50's. She remained fiercely independent until her very later years when she reluctantly agreed to leave her home and relocate to Ft. Lauderdale to an assisted living facility near her grandson. Her strong will and spirit will be greatly missed by her children and then grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughters, Wanda Mitchell, Kristina Boccia, Stefania M. Rogalski, and son, Edward Rogalski.

She was predeceased by hers husband, Frank; and son, Allan Rogalski.

Stefania was laid to rest beside her husband at the Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Ocala, FL. A Memorial Service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Belleview, FL on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 3:00 p.m.

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