Lucyna Nowakowska Pienkowska

Born on November 2, 1935, in Tarnopol, Poland (now Ternopol, Ukraine), Lucy’s early life was shaped by the upheaval of World War II. During the war, her family was forced to resettle in Sady, Poland—a move that marked the beginning of a life defined by resilience and determination.

Lucy began her professional career as an executive secretary at the Academy of Medicine in Warsaw, Poland. In 1978, she made the courageous decision to emigrate to the United States in pursuit of greater opportunities and freedoms for her family. Settling in Michigan, she dedicated over four decades of service to the Orchard Lake Schools and Campus. Her contributions there were both lasting and profound: she played a pivotal role in establishing the first Pope John Paul II Museum, managed the Chapel of Our Lady of Orchard Lake with care and devotion, and oversaw the Marian Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes—each endeavor reflecting her deep commitment to service and cultural preservation.

Lucy found joy in simple pleasures. She loved entertaining guests with warmth and grace, preparing delicious meals that brought people together from all walks of life. She had quite the green thumb and her flower gardens were an enduring source of pride. Lucy also loved animals: she watched her bird feeders tirelessly and her precious dogs brought her endless companionship and happiness.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Eligiusz Pienkowski; her daughters Ewa Davidek (Tom) and Joanna Polk (Larry); her grandson Dr. Andrew Davidek (Sarah Finegood); and Godsons Irek Nowakowski and Pawel Smuda. She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanislaw Zawalny and Katarzyna Zawalna.

Lucyna Pienkowska’s legacy is one of strength, dedication, and enduring love for her family and friends. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her and may her boundless generosity toward anyone who needed help be an inspiration to us all.

A visitation for Lucyna will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823, followed by a memorial service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.