Frances (Lepkowski) Wajer

On Sunday, July 12, 2020, Frances Lepkowski Wajer passed away peacefully at the age of 95. She is survived by her son Stephen Douglas Wajer, two grandchildren Shannon Grace Gahs and Samantha Michele Wajer, and three great grandchildren, Charlotte, Rosalie and Avery Gahs. There are many nieces and nephews; including, David Ordakowski, her godchild, Mark Wajer, Eileen Corun, Sharon Ackerman, Bernard Wajer, Robert Wajer, and Nancy Daniecki to mention the most immediate.

Frances was born on November 24,1924 in Baltimore, Maryland to Marion and Josephine (Lubinski) Lepkowski. She was the youngest of their five children; Sophie Ulsch, Marian Petza, Stanley Lepkowski and Helen Ordakowski.

Her parents immigrated to the United States from Warsaw, Poland sailing from Bremen, Germany in 1910 for granddad then in 1912 for grandmother and the two children. They left northeastern Europe at a time of increasing tension that eventually led to World War I. They settled in the area east of Patterson Park (near Fells Point), where her father continued his career as a tailor. They had their last three children Stanley, Helen and Frances while living in this ethnic part of Baltimore. They lived through the difficult worldwide Depression Era followed by World War II. In spite of these hardships, Frances was known for kindness and generosity throughout her life.

On May 17, 1946 she married WW2 veteran and neighborhood sweetheart Anthony Andrew Wajer. Together they raised three children, Michael Anthony Wajer, Stephen Douglas Wajer and Susan Carol Ammenhauser in Baltimore County.

Frances was a member of Saint Michael’s parish in Overlea since 1949. She had a lifelong connection to music that started at an early age as her father and brother regularly played the clarinet and accordion. Polka melodies and the occasional waltz tune personified her zest for life.

Frances became skilled at every home craft that piqued her curiosity; including, dressmaking, crochet, needlepoint and knitting. When she reached retirement age she developed a passion for ceramic arts. She studied ceramics through CCBC at the Overlea Senior Center for more than two decades under Mary Strong and her protégé Evelyn Ryan. Her many creations are now treasures found throughout the homes of the family that continue to remind us of our dearest Matriarch.

Services are at Lemmon Funeral Home with burial at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to Catholic Charities of Maryland (www.catholiccharities-md.org) Our Daily Bread as an expression of compassion and empathy toward others in need.