Wanda E. Peloquin

Born in Dudley, MA, she was the daughter of the late Vincent J. Sr. and Stella (Jankowski) Penkala. She was a graduate of Bartlett High School in Webster, MA. After moving to Swansea, Wanda was a homemaker in the primary years of Sandra and Susan’s growing up. Her work life in Swansea started with being a local bank teller, then worked in the Swansea tax collector’s office until retirement.

She was a parishioner at the former St. Michael’s, where she began her involvement in the parish community. The Catholic Women’s Club (CWC) was the foundation for her lifelong passion for parish involvement, and it was with this group that rich friendships which lasted throughout Wanda’s life were formed. In the early years as Sandra and Susan were growing up; Wanda volunteered as a Girl Scout leader and taught religious education.

As St. Michael’s Church closed and St. Francis of Assisi became her new parish, Wanda embraced her new parish. Her presence in volunteering continued to increase. She thrived being around people and living her faith. She could do this through her volunteering. At St. Francis, Wanda often lectured at daily Mass, was a Eucharistic Minister for the homebound, participated in the Family Life Group, Bible Study, and Prayer Shawl Ministry. She was on various councils including those on a diocesan level. She was a recipient of the Marian Medal.

As time permitted, and with the passing of her husband Robert, Wanda devoted more of her time doing what she did best, being with and helping people to serve the church. From parish dinners and outings where she cooked alongside others in her earlier years, to sitting by the door in the church hall table selling raffle tickets or welcoming people to events, Wanda was present. Her smile and warm personality were welcoming and an invitation for people to come and visit with her. If people asked her how she was she would answer “Not too bad” and then say “Enough about me, what about you”. She loved people and she loved her faith. She was a true evangelist for her faith as she saw Christ in those around her.

Wanda was active in The Swansea Council on Aging including being a board member until her death. She attended meetings and when she was no longer able to drive she would be picked up for the meetings. Even at the age of 94, it was important for her to have a voice and hear about issues related to aging.

In addition to travel, she was an avid reader and enjoyed crocheting, knitting, sewing, cooking and in her younger years, candlepin bowling. Family time was important to Wanda. Spending time with her grandsons Andrew and Avery either here in Swansea or visiting California was time she carved out. As Andrew and Avery grew up their visits to their grandmother was a time where she could cook Polish food for them, dote on them and give them life instructions.

Wanda is survived by her daughters, Sandra M. Willette and companion Ramu K. Sundaram of Holliston, MA and Susan Peloquin and her husband Michael Turzanski of Sonoma, CA; her grandsons, Andrew Turzanski of Austin, TX and Avery Turzanski of Washington, DC and several nieces and nephews. She was the mother-in-law of the late Richard E. Willette and sister of the late Henry Penkala, Chester Penkala, Vincent Penkala, Jr. Regina Duval and Marcella Sniadach-Szczepaniak.

Her funeral will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 9:00 AM from the Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, 189 Gardners Neck Road, Swansea followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Swansea. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Swansea. Visitation will be held Monday, September 1, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boston Catholic TV, PO Box 9196, Watertown, MA 02471 or Association of Marian Helpers c/o The Marians of the Immaculate Conception, Eden Hill, Stockbridge, MA 01263.