Honorata Wanda Dumon

Honorata "Wanda" Dumon (Skolimowski), age 87, died Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at the Sanctuary at Bellbrook in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Wanda was born January 1, 1929 in Poland.Wanda's story begins with a reality that no child should have to endure, but endure she did,…not only as an orphan, but also as a Holocaust Survivor amidst the ravages of war. She was just a young, little Polish girl who was forced to grow up early and make decisions that many adults never have to face,…like at the age of 7 when she left the orphanage because it was running out of food and decided to live on the streets. Somehow, for the next few years, Wanda survived that as well,…until one fateful day when a Polish-American soldier (named "Stosh") came to her rescue as she was being beaten by a German family. Being driven by a force much greater than his own, Stosh took Wanda under his wing and made some contacts to bring hope into her life. He ultimately played an important role in connecting Wanda with a Catholic organization that was helping to relocate orphaned children to the United States. After much time and patience, Wanda made that trip to America and was approximately 14 years old when she arrived on U.S. soil. Initially, Wanda was taken in by nuns and resided in a convent until arrangements could be made to find a foster family for her. They ultimately placed her in foster care, but it ended up being one of five homes she would reside in over the years.Then the sun broke through the clouds and God sent Wanda a wonderful gift,…the promise of a real home with real hope for the future through the blessing of her new adoptive parents, John & Vera Beck of Long Island, New York. The Becks owned a farm, were very wealthy, and provided Wanda a beautiful home unlike anything she had ever known. Meeting the Beck's took her from rags to riches in the blink of an eye, and Wanda's life was changed forever through the goodness and mercy of these generous and special people. One of the "perks" of living on her new parents' farm was getting to know the help,…especially a dashing young man by the name of Janusz "John" Skolimowski. What began as a friendship soon turned into love, and the two lovebirds were married on March 31, 1950 in New York. Interestingly, Janusz was also a fellow Holocaust Survivor.Shortly after they were married, Janusz and Wanda decided to relocate to Michigan where the employment opportunities were exploding. Janusz was ultimately hired by General Motors where he worked as an engineer. After many wonderful years together, Wanda's heart was broken when her husband & helpmate of 24 years passed away on January 9, 1974. The hands of time brought many changes, and one important change came into Wanda's life about 5 years later when she met the next love of her life, Louis Dumon. One thing led to another, which led her once again to the altar and into the arms of her new beloved, Louis. They shared many joys together, one of the most prominent being the summers enjoyed at their home in Lewiston. Along with raising a family and caring for the needs of home & hearth, Wanda worked outside of the house as well. For many years, she shared her skills and talents as a hairdresser and cosmetologist at many of the local area salons. Bringing beauty into the lives of others brought Wanda joy beyond expression,…and her beauty emanated in so many more ways than merely through hair and make-up. For those who truly knew this magnificent lady, they'll attest to what a strong and abiding faith she had and how it shone from her like a beacon in the night. She was an amazing woman who overcame unbelievable obstacles in life,…but she never did it alone. She always knew that her Lord was right there with her. To think of all she endured in the early stages of her life, Wanda's story is truly something amazing as well. Even into her adult years, she never forgot the memories of the orphanage and how it struggled to provide for the little ones,…and so she gave. With a heart as big as the moon, Wanda decided to bequeath $50,000.00 of her estate to be directed to Polish orphanages in the hopes that they'll not have to lose any more little girls to the streets. And the story of Wanda just wouldn't be replete without mentioning her incredible ancestral ties. She was quite proud of her Polish heritage, and especially loved the Polish festivals. Red & White, Baby,…she was all over it!But of all she loved the most, nothing could take the place of loved ones and friends. A loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother & great-grandmother, Wanda leaves a legacy of love for all to cherish who were blessed to know and be touched by her. She inspired countless lives in her journey through life, a life that beheld both greatness and humility. She will be remembered affectionately, missed immensely, and loved eternally. Wanda was the beloved wife of the late Janusz "John" Skolimowski, and the late Louis Dumon. Devoted mother of Arlene Poupore and Christine (Michael Williams) Virgilio. Cherished grandmother of Nicole (James) Maendel, Monique (Alin) Dragoiu, Danielle (Trevor Brown) Poupore, Matthew Virgilio and Alyssa (Daniel Huffer) Virgilio. Loving great-grandmother of Gavin, Cristian, Merrick, Cole, Kai, Sophia, Trey, Nicholas, and one expected great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her fiance / companion, Raymond Greenway. Visitation for Wanda will be held Friday, July 15th from 3 - 9 pm, with a 7:00 pm Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile Road) in Warren. She will lie In state on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of her Funeral Mass at 10:30 am at St. Faustina Catholic Church in Warren. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan.Please share memories of Wanda at her memory book above.