Loretta Bielawski Daunis


We note with great sadness the passing of our sole remaining founder, Loretta Bielawski Daunis at age 90.  Loretta was born in Brooklyn, NY, a longtime resident of Lawrenceville, NJ, and most recently, Ewing, NJ, left us peacefully on April 24, 2014.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Daunis; her parents, Albin and Maryanna Bielawski; her brothers, Venceslaus Bielawski and Thaddeus Bielawski; and her sisters, Charlotte Yess, Stella Krupa, Frances Potkay, and Julie Kisluk.  She is survived by her children, Matthew Daunis, Laurel Daunis-Allen, and Andrea Moyer; granddaughters, Angela Snell and Laura Daunis; great-grandchildren, Maya Snell and Harrison Snell, along with their spouses, Carol Daunis, Dr. Stephen Allen, Bruce Moyer, and Chris Snell.

As a five time club president, Loretta actively promoted Polish culture, and was the long time chairwoman and champion of the Polish Arts Club Scholarship Committee.  She also held club offices of secretary and treasurer.

In 2006 Loretta was honored with the Cavalier's Cross of the Order of Merit, an award bestowed by the president of the Republic of Poland.  Poland's Consul General for New York City, Krzystof W. Kasprzyk, presented the silver medal overlaid with a gold eagle on behalf of Poland's President Lech Kaczynski at the Polonaise Ball.

She studied journalism at Columbia University, NY, and enjoyed writing poems and short stories.  Loretta retired in 1989 after 15 years working as secretary to the college librarian of then Rider College.  She was also an active member of the Rider University Retirees Association.  She enjoyed cooking and was most noted for her amazing pierogies. As an avid gardener, you could always find her outside, enjoying the sun and tending to her plants and flowers.  She will be deeply missed.  "You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for you the crown of righteousness."

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Polish Arts Club of Trenton, c/o John Bogdan, President, 953 Mulberry St., Lawrenceville, NJ 08648-4523, attn: Loretta Daunis Scholarship.

The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday morning, May 1, 2014, from the Winowicz Funeral Chapel, 865 Brunswick Ave., Trenton. Liturgy will be celebrated Thursday at 11 a.m. in St. Hedwig's Church, 872 Brunswick Ave., Trenton, with Rev. Dr. Jack W. Labinski presiding.  Burial will be in St. Hedwig's Cemetery, Ewing Township.  Calling hours will be Thursday morning from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral chapel

The Polish Arts Club extends our deepest sympathy to her family.  We will miss her dedication, kindness and warm smile, but we shall never forget our Loretta.