Mary Sophie Ann Kulakowski

Mrs. Mary Sophie Ann Gwozdz Kulakowski - born June 12, 1916 in Coden, AL and a resident of the Belle Fontaine Community since 1948, died peacefully at the home of her daughter Friday, September 16, 2011.

Mrs. Kulakowski was a member of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church; and at the time of her death, she was the eldest member of the Parish. She represented the Parish as "Ms. Valentine" in February, 1993; served as a Catechism Instructor; was a member and Past Secretary of the 50 Plus Club; Past President of the Fowl River Women's Club; Past Secretary of the Altar Sodality and was the last surviving member of St. Margaret's Catholic School Graduating Class of 1931 in Bayou La Batre, AL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Gwozdz and Sofie Strojny Gwozdz; husband, Julian Kulakowski; her sister, Rose Gwozdz MacFarlane; and her brothers, Frank Paul Gwadz and Walter J. Gwadz.

She is survived by one daughter, Juliann "Julie" Kulakowski Overstreet; three sons, Joseph O'Neil (Rachel) Kulakowski, Anthony Wayne (Diana) Kulakowski, and Michael (Pamela) Kulakowski; six grandchildren, James Grady "Jimmy" (Melissa) Overstreet, Jr., Anthony Gene "Tony" Kulakowski, Katrina Kulakowski (Lance) Smith, Sofia Rose Kulakowski, Pia Magdalena Kulakowski, and Kaitlyn Michele Kulakowski; four great-grandchildren, James Connor Overstreet, Parker Matthew Overstreet, Jack Owen Overstreet, and Eli Wesley Smith; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to Mrs. Kulakowski's Caregiver, Mary Adams; Dr. Elizabeth Greenwood Mathison; Wiregrass and Odyssey Hospice, especially Matthew Brown, RN, Nelda Diane Fox, RN, Aide Sherita Perry, Laura Roache, LPN, Fannie Brathwaith, LPN, Social Worker Jackie Tarvin, and Chaplain Richard Handy for their excellent professional service, care, comfort, and support.

The family will receive friends from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M., with the Rosary being recited at 7 P.M., on Friday, September 23, 2011 at Radney Funeral Home, Dauphin Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 A.M. on Saturday, September 24, 2011 from St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. Mrs. Kulakowski will be taken to the Church one hour prior to Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 9101 Dauphin Island Parkway, Theodore, AL 36582. Interment will be in St. Michael Catholic Cemetery, Coden, AL.