WATERVLIET, Mich. - Josephine Rybarczyk, 78, of Eau Claire, Mich., died Jan. 4, 2010, in Lakeland Continuing Care, Berrien Center, Mich.
She was born Sept. 13, 1931, in Chadykowce, Poland, to Wladyslaw "Walter" and Anna Labuz Kucharzak. On June 22, 1957, she married Chester Rybarczyk, who preceded her in death.
Her family lived in Poland until 1939, when Russia moved them to Siberia during the war. After the war England moved her family to Saudi Arabia and then they were able to settle in England. While living in England, she continued her studies graduating from Cambridge. After finishing college she moved to America with her father and sister in August 1951. Upon arriving in Ellis Island they continued their journey to Chicago where they had family. While in Chicago, she worked as a secretary for a short time and attended art school. In 1953, she met Chester while recovering from TB in the hospital. They made their home in Chicago until Chester retired and they moved to Eau Claire. She enjoyed filling her time painting and doing cross-stitch. Her greatest enjoyment came in caring for her family.
Surviving are two sons, David (and spouse Betty) Rybarczyk, St. John, and Mark (and spouse Jane) Rybarczyk, Eau Claire; a daughter, Carol (and spouse Terry) Edwards, Griffith; four grandchildren, Brian, Christopher (and spouse Samantha), Jennifer and Thomas. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Watervliet. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Watervliet.
Calling is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Hutchins Funeral Home, Watervliet.
