Marie M. (MiMi) Wygrala
Mrs. Marie M. (MiMi) Wygrala, 102, passed away early Wednesday morning, Jan. 5, 2011, at the Mercy Tyler Hospital in Tunkhannock, Pa.
She was born in Delmenhorst, Germany, on Nov. 18, 1908, the daughter of the late Carl and Kathryn Rustalski Szukalski.
Mrs. Wygrala was the wife of the late Emil W. Wygrala, who passed away on Oct. 30, 1988. Since the passing of her husband she resided at the home of her daughter, Katy Vanderpool, near Laceyville, Pa.
She was a member of the Spring Hill United Methodist Church, and its United Methodist Women, as well as its Ugly Quilt Club. In the years past she helped with the Spring Hill community dinners. In her spare time, she loved spending time with her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren and her great-great-grandchildren. She always looked forward to holding all of her new babies.
Surviving are: her daughter with whom she lived, Kathryn (Katy) Vanderpool of Laceyville, Pa.; her son and his wife, James and Jean Wygrala of Towanda, Pa.; her grandchildren, Philip and Vickie Vanderpool, and Jack and Gail Vanderpool, all of Laceyville, Lana and Duane Clark of Wyalusing, Pa., Shannon and Randy Chilson of Sayre, Pa., Shawna Wygrala and Jamie Hughes, both of Towanda, Pa.; her great-grandchildren, Branden and Eva Vanderpool and Nick and Kristy Vanderpool, all of Laceyville, Pa., Austen McGee of Towanda, Pa., Jared Clark, and Ashlyn Clark, both of Wyalusing, and Ashley Hughes and Evan Hughes, both of Towanda, Pa.; and her precious great-great-grandchildren, Jada Marie Vanderpool, Taylor Grace, Nick Jr., Tacoma and McKenzie Vanderpool, all of Laceyville, Pa.
Besides her husband she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Charles (Charlie) Vanderpool, who passed away on May 30, 1993.
At the wishes of her family, the funeral services will be private, at the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main Street, Laceyville, Pa. There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial donations in Marie M. Wygrala's memory to the charity of the donor's choice.
Published in Daily Review on Jan. 6, 2011
SZUKALSKI - Marie "Mimi"
Wyalusing Rocket November 20, 2008
Marie “Mimi” Wygrala at her 100th birthday party with her son, Jim and daughter, Kathryn. The previous evening 150 people attending the Wyalusing Firemen’s annual Appreciation Dinner joined to sing happy birthday to Marie, who was attending the dinner. Teddy Roosevelt was President of the United States when Marie was born.
'Mimi' Marks 100th Birthday - by David Keeler - 11/20/2008 Wyalusing Rocket
Spring Hill’s Community Hall was filled Sunday afternoon with people who had come to mark a very special event—Marie “Mimi” Wygrala’s 100th birthday. The celebration took place from 1 to 4 p.m., and by 2 p.m., over 75 people had stopped by to extend their greetings. Many more arrived throughout the afternoon. The previous evening, at the Wyalusing Valley Volunteer Fire Department’s annual Appreciation Dinner, 150 people joined together to sing Happy Birthday to Marie who was attending the event. There are many stories about Marie’s excellent health, and one of the favorites being passed around Sunday afternoon was the one about a man who stopped by the community hall during a function of some sort and asked to see the 95-year-old woman who helped out by washing dishes. “You’re talking to her,” Marie replied to the astonished man. And then there’s the one about how not that long ago, Marie helped her son, Jim split firewood. In an interview with this newspaper last year just before she turned 99, Marie said she attributed her good health to the fact that she never smoked nor drank.
The year Marie was born most Americans still had not seen a movie, ridden in an automobile or grasped the concept that people could fly. Teddy Roosevelt was president. The year began with the first-ever New Year’s ball dropping at Times Square and ended with the Wright Brothers’ historic flight. In between, Henry Ford introduced the world’s first mass produced car, the Model T. It was the year that oil was discovered in Iran, the song, Take Me Out to the Ball Game was introduced and the term “Melting Pot” was coined. According to information compiled by Silvara historian and genealogist Hedy Chaffee, Marie Martha Szukalski Wygrala was born on Nov. 18, 1908 in Delmerhorst, Germany. She was married to Emil W. Wygrala. He was born on July 9, 1906, probably in Garki, Germany, his father’s birth town, and died on Oct. 30, 1988 in Towanda, PA. Emil’s father first came to America in May 1909 aboard the S.S. President Grant. He frequently returned to the old country, according to Chaffee’s research. The 1920 census stated that August and his wife, Pauline Runge Wygrala both became U.S. citizens in 1919. They had a son, Walter, born in the U.S. August owned a clothing store in Laceyville in the 1920’s and 30’s. Chaffee concluded that Emil Wygrala’s real mother must have died and he lived with someone else in Germany until 1925. In 1931, Emil, who was 24 at the time, joined his father, August, 46, who was returning to the U.S. aboard the S.S. Bremen. They arrived on April 23 with their destination stated as Laceyville. Their passports were dated Jan. 27, 1931 and both were listed as being married. Marie Wygrala came to the U.S. after her husband, Emil had arrived here. She came aboard the same ship, but on a different voyage and arrived in New York on June 28, 1931 to eventually join her husband in Laceyville. She spoke little English when she joined her husband who was employed at the Laceyville Creamery. Marie currently lives with her daughter, Kathryn Vanderpool at her home on Indian Hill near Laceyville. She keeps herself busy by making afghans and quilts. Marie’s son, Jim, lives on Laning Creek Road near Wysox. She remains in relatively good health and is able to walk unassisted. Saturday night she joined others at the firemen’s buffet and casually carried her own plate. Among the highlights of Sunday’s birthday celebration was a card from President George Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. The card stated: “Happy 100th Birthday. We are pleased to add our congratulations to your celebration. You have led a remarkable life and your experiences have contributed to the strength of our nation. We join your family and friends in wishing you the best on your special day.” The greeting contained the presidential seal and the signatures of George and Laura Bush. State Representative Tina Pickett arranged for a special citation to be issued to Marie by the Pennsylvania Legislature. Pickett was unable to attend Sunday’s celebration due to an illness in her family. Delicious refreshments were served including birthday cakes baked by Aileen Learn and Ruby Boyanowski. submitted by Carol Brotzman
Woman celebrates 100th birthday, Marie Wygrala
BY JAMES LOEWENSTEIN STAFF WRITER Daily Review Published: Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Tuscarora Township resident Marie Wygrala, who turned 100 on Tuesday, comes to the Park Place senior center in Wyalusing every week to play bingo, said Nina Stevens, a manager at Park Place. Wygrala, whose main meal of the day consisted of soup when she was growing up in Germany, attended her 100th birthday party at Park Place, where there were more fun things to eat: cake and ice cream. “She’s a very personable lady,” said Zoria LaLonde, who lives at Park Place, and has gotten to know Wygrala over the years. “She’s always smiling. She has a good attitude (about things). Nothing upsets her that I know about.” And she remains active, LaLonde said. “People who live around her say she’s out putting clothes on the line, raking leaves, whatever there is to do. She enjoys it,” LaLonde said. Wygrala lives with her daughter, Kathryn Vanderpool, off U.S. Route 6 in Tuscarora Township. Family members said that in the winter and spring, Wygrala rakes leaves and pulls weeds outside her home. She continues to cook, and will watch over her great- great- grandchildren sometimes, they said. She also continues to go to a local church to help make “Ugly Quilts” for homeless people, said Vanderpool. And she continues to walk unassisted, Vanderpool said. “Her hearing is a little off, but other than that, she’s in good health,” Stevens said. Wygrala said she was born in Delmerhorst, Germany. Her mother died when she was seven years old, Vanderpool said. Her father worked in a factory. When she was growing up, her supper on six days of the week consisted of soup, Vanderpool said. On Sunday, though, she had boiled potatoes and a piece of meat, Wygrala said. Wygrala said she attended school, but did not go to high school. People had to pay to go to high school in Germany, Wygrala explained. “Money (in my family) was scarce,” she said. She immigrated to the United States in 1931, and came directly to Laceyville, where her husband, Emil, was already living. At first, she and Emil Wygrala lived in a tourist home on Main Street in Laceyville that Emil Wygrala’s parents operated. The tourist home catered to people who were traveling through the area, Vanderpool said. Marie Wygrala and her husband worked at the tourist home. “I never got paid for what I did” in the tourist home, though, Marie Wygrala said. After moving out of the tourist home, Marie and Emil Wygrala continued to live in Laceyville, where Emil Wygrala got a job in a creamery, family members said. Marie Wygrala has two children, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and four great- great-grandchildren. Emil Wygrala died in 1988. Marie Wygrala had told a group of kindergartners at Laceyville Elementary School on Tuesday that not smoking or drinking alcohol was a key to living a long life, according to Kristy Vanderpool, who is the wife of Nick Vanderpool — one of Marie Wygrala’s great-grandchildren. The kindergarten class, which includes two of Marie Wygrala’s great- great-grandchildren, had a small birthday party for Marie Wygrala on Tuesday afternoon. Marie Wygrala also received a certificate from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and a letter from President Bush on the occasion of turning 100. Submitted by Carol Brotzman
I would like to note she was born Marie Szukalski daughter of Carl and Kathryn Rustalski Szukalski
Mrs. Marie M. (MiMi) Wygrala, 102, passed away early Wednesday morning, Jan. 5, 2011, at the Mercy Tyler Hospital in Tunkhannock, Pa.
She was born in Delmenhorst, Germany, on Nov. 18, 1908, the daughter of the late Carl and Kathryn Rustalski Szukalski.
Mrs. Wygrala was the wife of the late Emil W. Wygrala, who passed away on Oct. 30, 1988. Since the passing of her husband she resided at the home of her daughter, Katy Vanderpool, near Laceyville, Pa.
She was a member of the Spring Hill United Methodist Church, and its United Methodist Women, as well as its Ugly Quilt Club. In the years past she helped with the Spring Hill community dinners. In her spare time, she loved spending time with her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren and her great-great-grandchildren. She always looked forward to holding all of her new babies.
Surviving are: her daughter with whom she lived, Kathryn (Katy) Vanderpool of Laceyville, Pa.; her son and his wife, James and Jean Wygrala of Towanda, Pa.; her grandchildren, Philip and Vickie Vanderpool, and Jack and Gail Vanderpool, all of Laceyville, Lana and Duane Clark of Wyalusing, Pa., Shannon and Randy Chilson of Sayre, Pa., Shawna Wygrala and Jamie Hughes, both of Towanda, Pa.; her great-grandchildren, Branden and Eva Vanderpool and Nick and Kristy Vanderpool, all of Laceyville, Pa., Austen McGee of Towanda, Pa., Jared Clark, and Ashlyn Clark, both of Wyalusing, and Ashley Hughes and Evan Hughes, both of Towanda, Pa.; and her precious great-great-grandchildren, Jada Marie Vanderpool, Taylor Grace, Nick Jr., Tacoma and McKenzie Vanderpool, all of Laceyville, Pa.
Besides her husband she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Charles (Charlie) Vanderpool, who passed away on May 30, 1993.
At the wishes of her family, the funeral services will be private, at the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main Street, Laceyville, Pa. There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial donations in Marie M. Wygrala's memory to the charity of the donor's choice.
Published in Daily Review on Jan. 6, 2011
SZUKALSKI - Marie "Mimi"
Wyalusing Rocket November 20, 2008
Marie “Mimi” Wygrala at her 100th birthday party with her son, Jim and daughter, Kathryn. The previous evening 150 people attending the Wyalusing Firemen’s annual Appreciation Dinner joined to sing happy birthday to Marie, who was attending the dinner. Teddy Roosevelt was President of the United States when Marie was born.
'Mimi' Marks 100th Birthday - by David Keeler - 11/20/2008 Wyalusing Rocket
Spring Hill’s Community Hall was filled Sunday afternoon with people who had come to mark a very special event—Marie “Mimi” Wygrala’s 100th birthday. The celebration took place from 1 to 4 p.m., and by 2 p.m., over 75 people had stopped by to extend their greetings. Many more arrived throughout the afternoon. The previous evening, at the Wyalusing Valley Volunteer Fire Department’s annual Appreciation Dinner, 150 people joined together to sing Happy Birthday to Marie who was attending the event. There are many stories about Marie’s excellent health, and one of the favorites being passed around Sunday afternoon was the one about a man who stopped by the community hall during a function of some sort and asked to see the 95-year-old woman who helped out by washing dishes. “You’re talking to her,” Marie replied to the astonished man. And then there’s the one about how not that long ago, Marie helped her son, Jim split firewood. In an interview with this newspaper last year just before she turned 99, Marie said she attributed her good health to the fact that she never smoked nor drank.
The year Marie was born most Americans still had not seen a movie, ridden in an automobile or grasped the concept that people could fly. Teddy Roosevelt was president. The year began with the first-ever New Year’s ball dropping at Times Square and ended with the Wright Brothers’ historic flight. In between, Henry Ford introduced the world’s first mass produced car, the Model T. It was the year that oil was discovered in Iran, the song, Take Me Out to the Ball Game was introduced and the term “Melting Pot” was coined. According to information compiled by Silvara historian and genealogist Hedy Chaffee, Marie Martha Szukalski Wygrala was born on Nov. 18, 1908 in Delmerhorst, Germany. She was married to Emil W. Wygrala. He was born on July 9, 1906, probably in Garki, Germany, his father’s birth town, and died on Oct. 30, 1988 in Towanda, PA. Emil’s father first came to America in May 1909 aboard the S.S. President Grant. He frequently returned to the old country, according to Chaffee’s research. The 1920 census stated that August and his wife, Pauline Runge Wygrala both became U.S. citizens in 1919. They had a son, Walter, born in the U.S. August owned a clothing store in Laceyville in the 1920’s and 30’s. Chaffee concluded that Emil Wygrala’s real mother must have died and he lived with someone else in Germany until 1925. In 1931, Emil, who was 24 at the time, joined his father, August, 46, who was returning to the U.S. aboard the S.S. Bremen. They arrived on April 23 with their destination stated as Laceyville. Their passports were dated Jan. 27, 1931 and both were listed as being married. Marie Wygrala came to the U.S. after her husband, Emil had arrived here. She came aboard the same ship, but on a different voyage and arrived in New York on June 28, 1931 to eventually join her husband in Laceyville. She spoke little English when she joined her husband who was employed at the Laceyville Creamery. Marie currently lives with her daughter, Kathryn Vanderpool at her home on Indian Hill near Laceyville. She keeps herself busy by making afghans and quilts. Marie’s son, Jim, lives on Laning Creek Road near Wysox. She remains in relatively good health and is able to walk unassisted. Saturday night she joined others at the firemen’s buffet and casually carried her own plate. Among the highlights of Sunday’s birthday celebration was a card from President George Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. The card stated: “Happy 100th Birthday. We are pleased to add our congratulations to your celebration. You have led a remarkable life and your experiences have contributed to the strength of our nation. We join your family and friends in wishing you the best on your special day.” The greeting contained the presidential seal and the signatures of George and Laura Bush. State Representative Tina Pickett arranged for a special citation to be issued to Marie by the Pennsylvania Legislature. Pickett was unable to attend Sunday’s celebration due to an illness in her family. Delicious refreshments were served including birthday cakes baked by Aileen Learn and Ruby Boyanowski. submitted by Carol Brotzman
Woman celebrates 100th birthday, Marie Wygrala
BY JAMES LOEWENSTEIN STAFF WRITER Daily Review Published: Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Tuscarora Township resident Marie Wygrala, who turned 100 on Tuesday, comes to the Park Place senior center in Wyalusing every week to play bingo, said Nina Stevens, a manager at Park Place. Wygrala, whose main meal of the day consisted of soup when she was growing up in Germany, attended her 100th birthday party at Park Place, where there were more fun things to eat: cake and ice cream. “She’s a very personable lady,” said Zoria LaLonde, who lives at Park Place, and has gotten to know Wygrala over the years. “She’s always smiling. She has a good attitude (about things). Nothing upsets her that I know about.” And she remains active, LaLonde said. “People who live around her say she’s out putting clothes on the line, raking leaves, whatever there is to do. She enjoys it,” LaLonde said. Wygrala lives with her daughter, Kathryn Vanderpool, off U.S. Route 6 in Tuscarora Township. Family members said that in the winter and spring, Wygrala rakes leaves and pulls weeds outside her home. She continues to cook, and will watch over her great- great- grandchildren sometimes, they said. She also continues to go to a local church to help make “Ugly Quilts” for homeless people, said Vanderpool. And she continues to walk unassisted, Vanderpool said. “Her hearing is a little off, but other than that, she’s in good health,” Stevens said. Wygrala said she was born in Delmerhorst, Germany. Her mother died when she was seven years old, Vanderpool said. Her father worked in a factory. When she was growing up, her supper on six days of the week consisted of soup, Vanderpool said. On Sunday, though, she had boiled potatoes and a piece of meat, Wygrala said. Wygrala said she attended school, but did not go to high school. People had to pay to go to high school in Germany, Wygrala explained. “Money (in my family) was scarce,” she said. She immigrated to the United States in 1931, and came directly to Laceyville, where her husband, Emil, was already living. At first, she and Emil Wygrala lived in a tourist home on Main Street in Laceyville that Emil Wygrala’s parents operated. The tourist home catered to people who were traveling through the area, Vanderpool said. Marie Wygrala and her husband worked at the tourist home. “I never got paid for what I did” in the tourist home, though, Marie Wygrala said. After moving out of the tourist home, Marie and Emil Wygrala continued to live in Laceyville, where Emil Wygrala got a job in a creamery, family members said. Marie Wygrala has two children, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and four great- great-grandchildren. Emil Wygrala died in 1988. Marie Wygrala had told a group of kindergartners at Laceyville Elementary School on Tuesday that not smoking or drinking alcohol was a key to living a long life, according to Kristy Vanderpool, who is the wife of Nick Vanderpool — one of Marie Wygrala’s great-grandchildren. The kindergarten class, which includes two of Marie Wygrala’s great- great-grandchildren, had a small birthday party for Marie Wygrala on Tuesday afternoon. Marie Wygrala also received a certificate from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and a letter from President Bush on the occasion of turning 100. Submitted by Carol Brotzman
I would like to note she was born Marie Szukalski daughter of Carl and Kathryn Rustalski Szukalski
Marie M. (MiMi) Wygrala
Mrs. Marie M. (MiMi) Wygrala, 102, passed away early Wednesday morning, Jan. 5, 2011, at the Mercy Tyler Hospital in Tunkhannock, Pa.
She was born in Delmenhorst, Germany, on Nov. 18, 1908, the daughter of the late Carl and Kathryn Rustalski Szukalski.
Mrs. Wygrala was the wife of the late Emil W. Wygrala, who passed away on Oct. 30, 1988. Since the passing of her husband she resided at the home of her daughter, Katy Vanderpool, near Laceyville, Pa.
She was a member of the Spring Hill United Methodist Church, and its United Methodist Women, as well as its Ugly Quilt Club. In the years past she helped with the Spring Hill community dinners. In her spare time, she loved spending time with her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren and her great-great-grandchildren. She always looked forward to holding all of her new babies.
Surviving are: her daughter with whom she lived, Kathryn (Katy) Vanderpool of Laceyville, Pa.; her son and his wife, James and Jean Wygrala of Towanda, Pa.; her grandchildren, Philip and Vickie Vanderpool, and Jack and Gail Vanderpool, all of Laceyville, Lana and Duane Clark of Wyalusing, Pa., Shannon and Randy Chilson of Sayre, Pa., Shawna Wygrala and Jamie Hughes, both of Towanda, Pa.; her great-grandchildren, Branden and Eva Vanderpool and Nick and Kristy Vanderpool, all of Laceyville, Pa., Austen McGee of Towanda, Pa., Jared Clark, and Ashlyn Clark, both of Wyalusing, and Ashley Hughes and Evan Hughes, both of Towanda, Pa.; and her precious great-great-grandchildren, Jada Marie Vanderpool, Taylor Grace, Nick Jr., Tacoma and McKenzie Vanderpool, all of Laceyville, Pa.
Besides her husband she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Charles (Charlie) Vanderpool, who passed away on May 30, 1993.
At the wishes of her family, the funeral services will be private, at the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main Street, Laceyville, Pa. There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial donations in Marie M. Wygrala's memory to the charity of the donor's choice.
Published in Daily Review on Jan. 6, 2011
SZUKALSKI - Marie "Mimi"
Wyalusing Rocket November 20, 2008
Marie “Mimi” Wygrala at her 100th birthday party with her son, Jim and daughter, Kathryn. The previous evening 150 people attending the Wyalusing Firemen’s annual Appreciation Dinner joined to sing happy birthday to Marie, who was attending the dinner. Teddy Roosevelt was President of the United States when Marie was born.
'Mimi' Marks 100th Birthday - by David Keeler - 11/20/2008 Wyalusing Rocket
Spring Hill’s Community Hall was filled Sunday afternoon with people who had come to mark a very special event—Marie “Mimi” Wygrala’s 100th birthday. The celebration took place from 1 to 4 p.m., and by 2 p.m., over 75 people had stopped by to extend their greetings. Many more arrived throughout the afternoon. The previous evening, at the Wyalusing Valley Volunteer Fire Department’s annual Appreciation Dinner, 150 people joined together to sing Happy Birthday to Marie who was attending the event. There are many stories about Marie’s excellent health, and one of the favorites being passed around Sunday afternoon was the one about a man who stopped by the community hall during a function of some sort and asked to see the 95-year-old woman who helped out by washing dishes. “You’re talking to her,” Marie replied to the astonished man. And then there’s the one about how not that long ago, Marie helped her son, Jim split firewood. In an interview with this newspaper last year just before she turned 99, Marie said she attributed her good health to the fact that she never smoked nor drank.
The year Marie was born most Americans still had not seen a movie, ridden in an automobile or grasped the concept that people could fly. Teddy Roosevelt was president. The year began with the first-ever New Year’s ball dropping at Times Square and ended with the Wright Brothers’ historic flight. In between, Henry Ford introduced the world’s first mass produced car, the Model T. It was the year that oil was discovered in Iran, the song, Take Me Out to the Ball Game was introduced and the term “Melting Pot” was coined. According to information compiled by Silvara historian and genealogist Hedy Chaffee, Marie Martha Szukalski Wygrala was born on Nov. 18, 1908 in Delmerhorst, Germany. She was married to Emil W. Wygrala. He was born on July 9, 1906, probably in Garki, Germany, his father’s birth town, and died on Oct. 30, 1988 in Towanda, PA. Emil’s father first came to America in May 1909 aboard the S.S. President Grant. He frequently returned to the old country, according to Chaffee’s research. The 1920 census stated that August and his wife, Pauline Runge Wygrala both became U.S. citizens in 1919. They had a son, Walter, born in the U.S. August owned a clothing store in Laceyville in the 1920’s and 30’s. Chaffee concluded that Emil Wygrala’s real mother must have died and he lived with someone else in Germany until 1925. In 1931, Emil, who was 24 at the time, joined his father, August, 46, who was returning to the U.S. aboard the S.S. Bremen. They arrived on April 23 with their destination stated as Laceyville. Their passports were dated Jan. 27, 1931 and both were listed as being married. Marie Wygrala came to the U.S. after her husband, Emil had arrived here. She came aboard the same ship, but on a different voyage and arrived in New York on June 28, 1931 to eventually join her husband in Laceyville. She spoke little English when she joined her husband who was employed at the Laceyville Creamery. Marie currently lives with her daughter, Kathryn Vanderpool at her home on Indian Hill near Laceyville. She keeps herself busy by making afghans and quilts. Marie’s son, Jim, lives on Laning Creek Road near Wysox. She remains in relatively good health and is able to walk unassisted. Saturday night she joined others at the firemen’s buffet and casually carried her own plate. Among the highlights of Sunday’s birthday celebration was a card from President George Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. The card stated: “Happy 100th Birthday. We are pleased to add our congratulations to your celebration. You have led a remarkable life and your experiences have contributed to the strength of our nation. We join your family and friends in wishing you the best on your special day.” The greeting contained the presidential seal and the signatures of George and Laura Bush. State Representative Tina Pickett arranged for a special citation to be issued to Marie by the Pennsylvania Legislature. Pickett was unable to attend Sunday’s celebration due to an illness in her family. Delicious refreshments were served including birthday cakes baked by Aileen Learn and Ruby Boyanowski. submitted by Carol Brotzman
Woman celebrates 100th birthday, Marie Wygrala
BY JAMES LOEWENSTEIN STAFF WRITER Daily Review Published: Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Tuscarora Township resident Marie Wygrala, who turned 100 on Tuesday, comes to the Park Place senior center in Wyalusing every week to play bingo, said Nina Stevens, a manager at Park Place. Wygrala, whose main meal of the day consisted of soup when she was growing up in Germany, attended her 100th birthday party at Park Place, where there were more fun things to eat: cake and ice cream. “She’s a very personable lady,” said Zoria LaLonde, who lives at Park Place, and has gotten to know Wygrala over the years. “She’s always smiling. She has a good attitude (about things). Nothing upsets her that I know about.” And she remains active, LaLonde said. “People who live around her say she’s out putting clothes on the line, raking leaves, whatever there is to do. She enjoys it,” LaLonde said. Wygrala lives with her daughter, Kathryn Vanderpool, off U.S. Route 6 in Tuscarora Township. Family members said that in the winter and spring, Wygrala rakes leaves and pulls weeds outside her home. She continues to cook, and will watch over her great- great- grandchildren sometimes, they said. She also continues to go to a local church to help make “Ugly Quilts” for homeless people, said Vanderpool. And she continues to walk unassisted, Vanderpool said. “Her hearing is a little off, but other than that, she’s in good health,” Stevens said. Wygrala said she was born in Delmerhorst, Germany. Her mother died when she was seven years old, Vanderpool said. Her father worked in a factory. When she was growing up, her supper on six days of the week consisted of soup, Vanderpool said. On Sunday, though, she had boiled potatoes and a piece of meat, Wygrala said. Wygrala said she attended school, but did not go to high school. People had to pay to go to high school in Germany, Wygrala explained. “Money (in my family) was scarce,” she said. She immigrated to the United States in 1931, and came directly to Laceyville, where her husband, Emil, was already living. At first, she and Emil Wygrala lived in a tourist home on Main Street in Laceyville that Emil Wygrala’s parents operated. The tourist home catered to people who were traveling through the area, Vanderpool said. Marie Wygrala and her husband worked at the tourist home. “I never got paid for what I did” in the tourist home, though, Marie Wygrala said. After moving out of the tourist home, Marie and Emil Wygrala continued to live in Laceyville, where Emil Wygrala got a job in a creamery, family members said. Marie Wygrala has two children, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and four great- great-grandchildren. Emil Wygrala died in 1988. Marie Wygrala had told a group of kindergartners at Laceyville Elementary School on Tuesday that not smoking or drinking alcohol was a key to living a long life, according to Kristy Vanderpool, who is the wife of Nick Vanderpool — one of Marie Wygrala’s great-grandchildren. The kindergarten class, which includes two of Marie Wygrala’s great- great-grandchildren, had a small birthday party for Marie Wygrala on Tuesday afternoon. Marie Wygrala also received a certificate from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and a letter from President Bush on the occasion of turning 100. Submitted by Carol Brotzman
I would like to note she was born Marie Szukalski daughter of Carl and Kathryn Rustalski Szukalski
Mrs. Marie M. (MiMi) Wygrala, 102, passed away early Wednesday morning, Jan. 5, 2011, at the Mercy Tyler Hospital in Tunkhannock, Pa.
She was born in Delmenhorst, Germany, on Nov. 18, 1908, the daughter of the late Carl and Kathryn Rustalski Szukalski.
Mrs. Wygrala was the wife of the late Emil W. Wygrala, who passed away on Oct. 30, 1988. Since the passing of her husband she resided at the home of her daughter, Katy Vanderpool, near Laceyville, Pa.
She was a member of the Spring Hill United Methodist Church, and its United Methodist Women, as well as its Ugly Quilt Club. In the years past she helped with the Spring Hill community dinners. In her spare time, she loved spending time with her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren and her great-great-grandchildren. She always looked forward to holding all of her new babies.
Surviving are: her daughter with whom she lived, Kathryn (Katy) Vanderpool of Laceyville, Pa.; her son and his wife, James and Jean Wygrala of Towanda, Pa.; her grandchildren, Philip and Vickie Vanderpool, and Jack and Gail Vanderpool, all of Laceyville, Lana and Duane Clark of Wyalusing, Pa., Shannon and Randy Chilson of Sayre, Pa., Shawna Wygrala and Jamie Hughes, both of Towanda, Pa.; her great-grandchildren, Branden and Eva Vanderpool and Nick and Kristy Vanderpool, all of Laceyville, Pa., Austen McGee of Towanda, Pa., Jared Clark, and Ashlyn Clark, both of Wyalusing, and Ashley Hughes and Evan Hughes, both of Towanda, Pa.; and her precious great-great-grandchildren, Jada Marie Vanderpool, Taylor Grace, Nick Jr., Tacoma and McKenzie Vanderpool, all of Laceyville, Pa.
Besides her husband she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Charles (Charlie) Vanderpool, who passed away on May 30, 1993.
At the wishes of her family, the funeral services will be private, at the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main Street, Laceyville, Pa. There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial donations in Marie M. Wygrala's memory to the charity of the donor's choice.
Published in Daily Review on Jan. 6, 2011
SZUKALSKI - Marie "Mimi"
Wyalusing Rocket November 20, 2008
Marie “Mimi” Wygrala at her 100th birthday party with her son, Jim and daughter, Kathryn. The previous evening 150 people attending the Wyalusing Firemen’s annual Appreciation Dinner joined to sing happy birthday to Marie, who was attending the dinner. Teddy Roosevelt was President of the United States when Marie was born.
'Mimi' Marks 100th Birthday - by David Keeler - 11/20/2008 Wyalusing Rocket
Spring Hill’s Community Hall was filled Sunday afternoon with people who had come to mark a very special event—Marie “Mimi” Wygrala’s 100th birthday. The celebration took place from 1 to 4 p.m., and by 2 p.m., over 75 people had stopped by to extend their greetings. Many more arrived throughout the afternoon. The previous evening, at the Wyalusing Valley Volunteer Fire Department’s annual Appreciation Dinner, 150 people joined together to sing Happy Birthday to Marie who was attending the event. There are many stories about Marie’s excellent health, and one of the favorites being passed around Sunday afternoon was the one about a man who stopped by the community hall during a function of some sort and asked to see the 95-year-old woman who helped out by washing dishes. “You’re talking to her,” Marie replied to the astonished man. And then there’s the one about how not that long ago, Marie helped her son, Jim split firewood. In an interview with this newspaper last year just before she turned 99, Marie said she attributed her good health to the fact that she never smoked nor drank.
The year Marie was born most Americans still had not seen a movie, ridden in an automobile or grasped the concept that people could fly. Teddy Roosevelt was president. The year began with the first-ever New Year’s ball dropping at Times Square and ended with the Wright Brothers’ historic flight. In between, Henry Ford introduced the world’s first mass produced car, the Model T. It was the year that oil was discovered in Iran, the song, Take Me Out to the Ball Game was introduced and the term “Melting Pot” was coined. According to information compiled by Silvara historian and genealogist Hedy Chaffee, Marie Martha Szukalski Wygrala was born on Nov. 18, 1908 in Delmerhorst, Germany. She was married to Emil W. Wygrala. He was born on July 9, 1906, probably in Garki, Germany, his father’s birth town, and died on Oct. 30, 1988 in Towanda, PA. Emil’s father first came to America in May 1909 aboard the S.S. President Grant. He frequently returned to the old country, according to Chaffee’s research. The 1920 census stated that August and his wife, Pauline Runge Wygrala both became U.S. citizens in 1919. They had a son, Walter, born in the U.S. August owned a clothing store in Laceyville in the 1920’s and 30’s. Chaffee concluded that Emil Wygrala’s real mother must have died and he lived with someone else in Germany until 1925. In 1931, Emil, who was 24 at the time, joined his father, August, 46, who was returning to the U.S. aboard the S.S. Bremen. They arrived on April 23 with their destination stated as Laceyville. Their passports were dated Jan. 27, 1931 and both were listed as being married. Marie Wygrala came to the U.S. after her husband, Emil had arrived here. She came aboard the same ship, but on a different voyage and arrived in New York on June 28, 1931 to eventually join her husband in Laceyville. She spoke little English when she joined her husband who was employed at the Laceyville Creamery. Marie currently lives with her daughter, Kathryn Vanderpool at her home on Indian Hill near Laceyville. She keeps herself busy by making afghans and quilts. Marie’s son, Jim, lives on Laning Creek Road near Wysox. She remains in relatively good health and is able to walk unassisted. Saturday night she joined others at the firemen’s buffet and casually carried her own plate. Among the highlights of Sunday’s birthday celebration was a card from President George Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. The card stated: “Happy 100th Birthday. We are pleased to add our congratulations to your celebration. You have led a remarkable life and your experiences have contributed to the strength of our nation. We join your family and friends in wishing you the best on your special day.” The greeting contained the presidential seal and the signatures of George and Laura Bush. State Representative Tina Pickett arranged for a special citation to be issued to Marie by the Pennsylvania Legislature. Pickett was unable to attend Sunday’s celebration due to an illness in her family. Delicious refreshments were served including birthday cakes baked by Aileen Learn and Ruby Boyanowski. submitted by Carol Brotzman
Woman celebrates 100th birthday, Marie Wygrala
BY JAMES LOEWENSTEIN STAFF WRITER Daily Review Published: Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Tuscarora Township resident Marie Wygrala, who turned 100 on Tuesday, comes to the Park Place senior center in Wyalusing every week to play bingo, said Nina Stevens, a manager at Park Place. Wygrala, whose main meal of the day consisted of soup when she was growing up in Germany, attended her 100th birthday party at Park Place, where there were more fun things to eat: cake and ice cream. “She’s a very personable lady,” said Zoria LaLonde, who lives at Park Place, and has gotten to know Wygrala over the years. “She’s always smiling. She has a good attitude (about things). Nothing upsets her that I know about.” And she remains active, LaLonde said. “People who live around her say she’s out putting clothes on the line, raking leaves, whatever there is to do. She enjoys it,” LaLonde said. Wygrala lives with her daughter, Kathryn Vanderpool, off U.S. Route 6 in Tuscarora Township. Family members said that in the winter and spring, Wygrala rakes leaves and pulls weeds outside her home. She continues to cook, and will watch over her great- great- grandchildren sometimes, they said. She also continues to go to a local church to help make “Ugly Quilts” for homeless people, said Vanderpool. And she continues to walk unassisted, Vanderpool said. “Her hearing is a little off, but other than that, she’s in good health,” Stevens said. Wygrala said she was born in Delmerhorst, Germany. Her mother died when she was seven years old, Vanderpool said. Her father worked in a factory. When she was growing up, her supper on six days of the week consisted of soup, Vanderpool said. On Sunday, though, she had boiled potatoes and a piece of meat, Wygrala said. Wygrala said she attended school, but did not go to high school. People had to pay to go to high school in Germany, Wygrala explained. “Money (in my family) was scarce,” she said. She immigrated to the United States in 1931, and came directly to Laceyville, where her husband, Emil, was already living. At first, she and Emil Wygrala lived in a tourist home on Main Street in Laceyville that Emil Wygrala’s parents operated. The tourist home catered to people who were traveling through the area, Vanderpool said. Marie Wygrala and her husband worked at the tourist home. “I never got paid for what I did” in the tourist home, though, Marie Wygrala said. After moving out of the tourist home, Marie and Emil Wygrala continued to live in Laceyville, where Emil Wygrala got a job in a creamery, family members said. Marie Wygrala has two children, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and four great- great-grandchildren. Emil Wygrala died in 1988. Marie Wygrala had told a group of kindergartners at Laceyville Elementary School on Tuesday that not smoking or drinking alcohol was a key to living a long life, according to Kristy Vanderpool, who is the wife of Nick Vanderpool — one of Marie Wygrala’s great-grandchildren. The kindergarten class, which includes two of Marie Wygrala’s great- great-grandchildren, had a small birthday party for Marie Wygrala on Tuesday afternoon. Marie Wygrala also received a certificate from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and a letter from President Bush on the occasion of turning 100. Submitted by Carol Brotzman
I would like to note she was born Marie Szukalski daughter of Carl and Kathryn Rustalski Szukalski
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