Wanda Krzyston

Wanda (Gacek) Krzyston was a year and a half shy of her 100th birthday. She passed away peacefully on March 21, 2021. Wanda was born in Jersey City on September 20, 1922 to Marianna Czop and Joseph M. Gacek. Her parents bravely emigrated to the US at only 13 and 16 years old, respectively. She was an active communicant of both St. Adalbert and St. Genevieve Churches in Elizabeth. Wanda graduated Battin High School, Class of 1941, salutatorian. She attended Montclair State Teachers College and Secretarial school. She was a founding member of the exclusive TGT Club. The meaning behind and name of this vibrant group of women was known only to these lifelong friends.

Wanda was employed by the Elastic Stop Nut Company, where she, like many of her generation, steadfastly supported the World War II effort. In 1948 Wanda married Frank L. Krzyston, former 1st Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps. Together, in love, they created not only a beautiful life and an adoring family, but also, a successful business. They owned and operated Frank L. Krzyston Insurance Agency for 40 years. Side by side, they also supervised the Elizabeth branch of the New Jersey State Motor Vehicle Agency on North Broad St. Wanda and Frank were respected and decorated members of the Polish community. Wanda was a lifetime member of the Polish Falcons Nest 115 and the Polish Legion of American Veterans. After retirement, she delighted in spending time and traveling with her family. Together they toured the US, Bermuda and England. Most recently she enjoyed trips to Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, France and Italy. Wanda was a prolific reader, avid crossword solver and enjoyed completing large jigsaw puzzles. She and her helpers never left an unsolved puzzle.

Wanda was a devoted wife and mother. She was “Mom” to her children and their spouses, “Grandma” and “Wandzi” to her grandchildren and greatgrands. Wanda was predeceased by her brother, Ted (Elaine) Gacek and her devoted husband of 57 years, Frank. She was the mother of Mary Joy Webster (Fred, Jr.) , Frances L. Sienicki ( Ted), and Mark J. Krzyston, MD (Laurie). She was grandmother to Fred III, Christopher and Scott Webster, Melanie Sienicki Prusakowski, MD, Galen, John Paul and Christian Sienicki and Stephen Krzyston, ESQ and Caitlin Krzyston Carroll, ESQ and their spouses. She was the great grandmother of 20 and also aunt to her much loved nieces and nephews. Almost STO LAT, Mom!

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral on Saturday, March 27, 2021, from Krowicki McCracken Funeral Home, Linden (908)352-9190. Visitation 8-9:30 AM. Funeral Mass at St. Genevieve RC Church, Elizabeth, 10 AM. Graveside Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Linden. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Adalbert Church, St. Genevieve Church or The Air Warrior Courage Foundation.