Janina Rybicki
September 4, 1921 - October 12, 2010
Janina Rybicki, (nee Bielawski), returned to our Lord on October 12, 2010 at age 89. Janina was born in Hamtramck, Michigan on Sep. 4, 1921 to Joseph and Felicia Bielawski.
She proudly served in the Women’s Marine Corps during World War II where she attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Janina married Stephen Rybicki on June 15, 1948 at St. Florian’s Catholic Church in Hamtramck, MI. Jan and Steve lived in Warren, Michigan where they raised their three children and resided for over 55 years. They later moved to Rochester, NY and then to Sandy, UT to be near family. Janina was a “Supermom”, working in data processing, caring for three children and living an active social life. She was extraordinarily gifted in baking, sewing, knitting and jewelry making; creating one-of-a-kind designs for herself and her family, with one of her quilts winning Best in Show at the Michigan State Fair. Janina was a devout Catholic. Mom used her talents to make baby blankets, quilts and booties for children in need. She will be greatly missed.
She was the beloved wife of Stephen; loving mother of Vincent (Margaret) Rybicki, Celeste (Dave) VanderMey and Natalie (Bill) Kelly; dear grandmother of Stephanie, Andrea, Jeanette, Kristen, Elizabeth and Stephen; and dear sister-in-law of Cathryn “Rose” Wyman.
Friends may gather at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, 11800 South 300 East, Draper for a visitation and recitation of the Holy Rosary on Sunday, October 17th from 7 to 8:30PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 18th at 9 AM, also at the church. Interment to follow at Utah Veteran’s Memorial Park, 17111 S. Camp Williams Rd., Bluffdale.
In Loving Memory
Dear Family, This is truly a sad time. I have so many fond memories of Ciocia Janina including the family get togethers where she would make her cherry sheet cake, family vacations including the fantastic trip to California, the red afghan she made for my wedding shower which I still use and the lovely quilt she sent to my 1st grandchild, Avery. She will live in my heart and mind forever. My deepest sympathy to you all. Love, Madelyn
Madelyn Frick
Traverse City, MI
It was truly an honor to be able to get to know your mother. She is a wonderful lady. She was always so full of light. My condolences to you and your family.
Stacy Johnson
Draper, Ut
To the family of Jan Rybicki, I would like to express our sincere sympathy to your family. Jan and I worked together for many years at G.T.W. We could always talk and enjoy each other's company. I went to the G.T.W. luncheon today and had her passing announced. I will truly miss her letters and cards. Jan was one of smartest, talented friends I have ever known.
Cheryl Scott
washington, mi
Joyce and I both send our condolences and prayers for comfort and endurance to the family. God is always with us, especially in hard times and times of sadness, and we hope that you will be comforted by the Holy Spirit and the prayers of friends and family.
Richard VanderMey
Traer, IA
Dear Steve and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Janina meant so much to me and I have so many fond memories of our time together. And recently, I am so happy I had the chance to talk to her and we spent so much time discussing various things throughout our lives. I still remember the amazing experience we had traveling to Lake Louise. You are all all in my thoughts and prayers and I wish I could be there with you to grieve your loss. With much love, Rose
Rose Wyman
Salem, MA
Dear Uncle Steve, Vince, Celeste and Natalie, Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of a truly special lady. I have so many memories of my dear Aunt Janina on "Joanne" including her amazing cherry pie and her famous "Alley Cat" dance. Even though we were separated through distance, she always made the effort to make family events. She is in our thoughts, prayers and is truly at peace. With much love, Bill and Therese
Bill Wyman
Princeton, NJ
Dear Uncle Steve, Vince, Celeste and Natalie and Family, When I think of Ciocia Janina, I think of a strong and loving woman. She was a baker - I remember a beautiful "doll" cake dressed as a First Communian Girl. She was a gardener - I remember many cook-outs, especially among the corn stalks in her Warren backyard. She was a seamstress - I cherished a beautiful yellow afghan she knitted for my wedding. She was generous - always slipping a bit of money to a cousin. She was family oriented - she made the trip to my father's funeral even though it was hard on her. Yes, Ciocia Janina was a strong and loving woman. We will certainly miss her but our memories are forever. To you, her family that she leaves behind, you have even more wonderful memories and they will keep her close to you always. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Paulette
Paulette Balich
Beverly, MA
My sincere sympathy to you all. I will never forget the moment that Mrs. Rybicki took my hands into hers and gave me permission to call her by her first name. As a long-time friend of Celeste, I realized that I had reached a "rite of passage" to becoming an adult. With great respect, I told her that she would always be "Mrs. Rybicki" to me as a sign of my respect and affection for her. Knowing her has been a pleasure and honor. You are all in our prayers. Fondly, Donna
Donna Organek
STERLING HEIGHTS, MI