Joanna Kowalkowski

Joanna Biernacki Kowalkowski, age 96,  wife of the late Chester Kowalkowski, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at Bridgeport Hospital.  Joanna is survived by her sister Casimira M. Biernacki of Bridgeport, CT , her step sister Margaret Grega and her family of  Danbury. Joanna’s two sons David C. Kowalkowski and Stephen J. Kowalkowski, both of Trumbull were her pride and joy.
Joanna born in Cleveland, Ohio to Polish immigrant parents John and Mary (Wrotny) Biernacki.  She was raised in Derby, Connecticut.  A 1942 graduate of Derby High, she married her husband, Chester in St Michael's Church of Derby.  Joanna relocated to Trumbull where she was a lifelong resident.  A devoted wife and mother Joanna  graduated from St. Vincent’s School of Nursing on 9/26/49  as a Registered Nurse where she dedicated her life to caring for others.  She had an illustrious career as a Registered Nurse from heading the OR of Bridgeport Hospital for over 28 years working in the Trauma and Burn Unit and the Maternity Ward.   

She worked as Private Duty nurse for some of Westport’s famous families, was a member of Stratford VNA, an Assistant Director at Lord Chamberlain; retiring from Textron as an industrial nurse.
When she needed a break from the stress of nursing, she become an independent real estate broker for VP Realty of Trumbull and Whitney Realtors.  Not only was Joanna a busy career woman, she was a dedicated wife, Mother, devout Catholic, Artist and pet lover.  Siamese Persian cats where her favorite but she also loved dogs.
She was member of St. Theresa confraternity, and loved to play bingo, crochet and make ceramics with her friends.
After retiring, Joanna focused on her art working even enrolling at Housatonic Community College to advance her painting skills.  Joanna has produced many awarding winning oil and watercolor paintings which she exhibited at various arts and craft fairs.
She loved to travel and enjoyed her trip to Poland immensely.
In her later years, Joanna love to travel to New Hampshire where she was a part-time resident and even worked at the local hospital while on vacation.  She loved the town’s annual Hospital Day Celebration and was always up for a road trip.  Joanna never liked being inactive even in declining health she often said “I want to go for a car ride! When are we going to the cabin … but I don’t want to go home”!
Joanna may have left this world on Angel's wings but her next journey has just begun with all her energy, warmth, grace and friends; is Heaven ready for this fireball?  
 Friends and family are invited to attend her funeral services on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Cyril F. Mullins Funeral Home, 399 White Plains Rd. Trumbull and at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Church, 5301 Main St. Trumbull for a Mass of Christian Burial. (To view via live stream go to st.theresatrumbull.org) Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 5-7 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:15 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association  CT Chapter, 200 Executive Blvd S #4b, Southington, CT 06489. To leave an online condolence please visit mullinsfh.com

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