Stephanie "Stefania" (Gielarowski) Komorowski, 93, Green Bay, passed away Sunday, May 20, 2012. Born Aug. 1, 1918, in Nienadowka, Poland on a strawberry farm, World Wars I and II changed her destiny and took both her parents. Her mom died of Spanish flu, while she survived. Three months later, her father died of TB. Learning she was adopted when she was 16, she left for France to be a maid. When the Nazis were to come round up workers from Poland the very next day, she ran to pray at a nearby shrine, falling flat on the ground, begging for survival. They uncharacteristically changed their minds.

At this point, Stephanie tried to get to America via the Red Cross, to connect with aunts who were Resurrection Sisters, but the ships were full. Suddenly, one of the passengers slated to travel passed away and she arrived in Chicago, settling near St. Ladislaus Catholic Church, in a very Polish neighborhood.

Living with family, she worked for Eileen's Candies, and EKCO Products. She married Wenceslaus Komorowski on June 9, 1956. They lost their first child, a boy, then gave birth to Mary Ann (Komorowski) Brunette on Leap Year, 1960.

Stephanie was a part time working mom, cooking for the pastor and cleaning the grade school at St. Lad's.

They moved to Pulaski, WI, in 1968. At that time, she sponsored Ted Kruczek, her nephew, fulfilling a promise to her sister. Ted later settled in town, Mary Ann got to continue school in Chicago. Stephanie moved to Lincoln Street in 1976. She worked for Glenbrook School in Pulaski, retiring in 1985. Mary Ann moved her to Green Bay in 1996.

She was best known as a legendary pickle maker, gardener, knitter, and recipient of many miracles. She was most proud that there is a chapel built in Betare-Oyo, Senegal, Africa, with her photo inside it. Mom had a devotion to Our Lady of Czestochowa, the Infant Jesus of Prague, and Blessed Pope John Paul II. Her entire family became spiritual children of St. Padre Pio when she had her wedding photo blessed by St. Pio prior to his death. The benefits of this devotion are realized daily by the family she leaves behind.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ann and James R. "J" Brunette, Jr.; four grandchildren, Michael, Alexander, Danielle and Anthony; two great-grandchildren, Jacob Meng Vang and Akira Sheng Vang; a special nephew, Eugeniusz "Ted" Kruczek; nieces, nephews, and cousins here and in Poland.

Stephanie was preceded in death by her parents, a brother and stepsister, and her husband, Wenceslaus.

Friends may call in the Resurrection Room of the Bishop Wycislo Center at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, 140 S. Monroe Ave., from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday at the Cathedral with the Rev. Janusz Kowalski officiating. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. Blaney Funeral Home is assisting the family. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com

Stephanie was a simple woman with extremely strong convictions. Her final wishes were for a plain funeral with no plants or flowers, food prepared by the family to save money and "no fuss, no muss". She wants everyone reading this to pray, knowing she finally gets to see the faces of her real parents and be with Jesus and Mary in God's Kingdom. She promised to pray for us from up there, in return, until we all meet again.