Alice Szymanski

Szymanski, Alice Rospond MIDDLETON - Alice Rospond Szymanski died peacefully at Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007, with her family present. A good and gentle spirit left us. Mom was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1928, then moved to Toledo, Ohio. She helped in the Rospond Photography Studio, her parents (Helen and Paul) family business. Mom married Herman A. Szymanski in 1948. She assisted in his career as a devoted wife and advisor, and supported Dads career from Professor of Chemistry to President of Alliance College. Mom was the person who organized, coordinated and facilitated the social and interpersonal efforts needed to advance Dads career. Simultaneously, Mom raised seven children. Only later did we appreciate how much she gave and what it took to raise us. In 1976 she received her BA in Psychology and in 1981, her Masters in Education, after going back to school in her 40s. Mom delighted in teaching adult students to read. She was a member of the Polish National Alliance, Polish Heritage Club, Beta Sigma Phi, Elks Club, and the Circle of Hearts Club and volunteered at Olbrich Gardens. Mom loved flowers, ducks, classical music, the sound of waves on the beach, good food, and especially her family and friends. She was known for her kindness and sociability and will be missed by many. Mom would like to be remembered for that, and her family and friends will always remember how she taught by example. She is survived by her daughter, Diane (John) Gugerty of Middleton; a son, Herman (Anne) V. Szymanski of Amherst, N.Y.; a son, Paul (Darlene) Szymanski of Albuquerque, N.M.; a son, Joseph (Anita) Szymanski of Cambridge Springs, Penn.; a son, Mark Szymanski of Greenville, S.C.; a son, John (Tina) Szymanski of Los Alamos, N.M.; a daughter, Mary (Sam) Bowne of Oakland, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARDS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007, at noon, with Monsignor Douglas Dushack presiding. Burial will be in St. Bernards Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, on Friday, Nov. 9, 2007, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. Please bring stories/momentoes for Moms Memory Book. Thank you to the wonderful staff at Hospice (you know who you are-bless your loving care of Mom); Dr. Keller, Dr. Stone and others at the UW Clinics; and the people at Oakwood-West who cared for Mom. Thanks also to Moms friends who enriched her life and stayed in contact through her illness. She spoke of you often. There are angels among us who do good things. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center at 5395 East Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. Mom, we love you. Rest in peace. Let your spirit soar on eagles wings.