Czeslawa Biesiadecki

By David M. Romano

When tomorrow starts without me and I am not here to see

If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me

I know how much you love me as much as I love you

And each time you think of me I know you’ll miss me too.

If I could have stayed for just a little while

I’d say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.

So when tomorrow starts without me don’t think we’re far apart,

For every time you think of me I’m right here in your heart.

If only Theresa had written a book about her life!!! It would probably talk about growing up during WW2 in Nazi-Occupied Poland. There is a story about helping a Jewish woman and almost being shot by the gestapo. Or maybe, it would talk about fashion and her love/borderline obsession for nice clothing and shoes (just take a look at her closets). She could also have written a book about gardening, her back and front yards are a testament to it. It takes a good portion of an hour to water all her roses. Most likely her book would talk about her passion for raising animals. Throughout her life, Theresa owned all kinds of pets: dogs, cats, cockatoos, cockatiels, parrots and other types birds. Her African gray bird sounds just like her, specially the bad words.

Theresa lived a full life, not always easy or pretty but somehow she managed to get through. She was a fighter and a survivor. Cancer had tried twice before and did not get the upper hand. She suffered immeasurable losses but managed to save enough grace and love to keep on giving. Her legacy is one of strength, courage and determination, and it is evident in her son, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her parents, Franciszek Sutor and Maria Kozlak met and married in the United States, but being of Polish descent decided to travel to Poland for their honey moon. WWII broke out while visiting and they were forced to stay until the end of the war. Franciszek and Maria had seven children: Wladyslawa, Jozef, Anna, Stanislaw, Krystyna, Czeslawa and Bob. Theresa spoke of growing up, going to school and making pierogi. She talked about the war and the family’s struggle to make their way back to America.

Theresa met and married Stanley Biesiadecki in New Jersey. Their first son, Edward “Eddy” was born there. Soon after, their little family moved to San Jose, California, where they made their permanent home. A few years later the family grew with the addition of another son, Jack. Over the years, Theresa became the loving grandmother of Eddy’s children, Nyssa and Matthew. And a great-grandmother to their children, Talon, Lennox, and Raleigh.

“Nyssa: Matt and I are truly grateful for all the love she’s showered us with. We will never forget the nights she scratched our backs till we fell asleep; helping her with litters of kittens and puppies; teaching us to make borscht and pierogis; teaching us to speak our minds and that it’s okay to have opinions (even though as we got older she didn’t quite agree with some and made it abundantly clear); walking us to karate and to the movie store; showing us how to recycle and make good money doing it; how to persevere and work hard. We will never forget that you were the glue that kept us all together and bonded us. We will continue to harness that bond through your memory and love for family.”

When Jack got married, Theresa moved to Ceres California. She had planned to find a job, but her new baby granddaughter had other plans. She became a full time grandmother to Jack’s children, Emma, Madison and Jack Jack. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren and she spent almost every day with them. She told anybody who would ask: “ it is my pleasure to take care of my little ones”. She lovingly helped guide, support and completely spoil the children. They loved and cherished her in return.

“Maggie: Jack and I are eternally grateful for the love and time you selflessly gave to our little family. We are incomplete without you, Theresa. When I think of tomorrow or next week without you walking through our door, I feel a gaping hole in my chest. It’s not fair that you are not here. You were supposed to take Jack Jack to his first day of kinder garden next month. Madison was waiting for you to take her to her first confession. Emma’s 15th birthday needs planning in a few years and I was looking forward arguing with you over dresses and decorations. Your life was not finish, but I don’t think it would have ever been. My children would have needed you all their life. Who else would get them those massive noisy toys, like the human size Santa Claus that won’t stop singing, or the 12 foot trampoline that you wanted to install in our living room. We love you grandma and miss you so very much.”

Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, Franciszek and Maria; her brother, Jozef; her sisters Wladyslawa, Anna and Krystyna; her husband, Stanley; and her son, Edward.

Theresa is survived by her loving son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Maggie Biesiadecki who cared for her during the last several years of her life; her granddaughters Nyssa, Emma and Madison Biesiadecki who love her very much and will miss her every day; Her grandsons Matthew and Jack Jack Biesiadecki who are a little lost without her; her great-grandsons Talon, Lennox, and Raleigh, who will never forget her sense of humor, laughter and love; her brothers Stanislaw and Bobby who got to spend a recent summer with her in Poland; and by countless relatives on the east coast who will remember her from her young and not so young years. She will also be missed by many friends from different walks of life because she would talk and be friendly to everybody.