Sister Mary Alonza Kowalski

Sister Mary Alonza Kowalski 1925 - 2010 Felician Franciscan Sister Mary Alonza Kowalski passed away at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Convent in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, on Friday, December 10, 2010. Born in Bremond, TX, on August 28, 1925, Apolonia was the daughter of Felix and Anna Kujawa Kowalski. A scholar from her early days, she attended St. Mary Parochial School in Bremond, which was staffed by the Felician Sisters. In 1939 she transferred to Mother of Good Counsel High School in Chicago, IL. Shortly after her graduation in 1943, she became a member of the Felician Sisters congregation of the Mother of Good Province in Chicago. It was in Chicago that Sister Mary Alonza began her ministry in education as a teacher in several of the local Catholic Schools. Her westward movement began in 1953 when the province of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was formed and located in Ponca City, OK. That same year she was assigned to St. Joseph MO, where she was initiated into the art of teaching three grades in one classroom. In 1956 she was assigned to St. Joseph School in Pomona, CA where she continued to teach multiple grades. In 1959 she returned to St. Stanislaus School in St. Joseph, MO, as principal and teacher. In the following years, she ministered as principal in St. Stephen School in Kansas City, MO, St. Mary School in Tulsa, OK and St. Margaret Mary School in San Antonio, TX. Sister also taught briefly at Pomona Catholic Girls High School in Pomona, CA. A true scholar and firm believer in education, sister held a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, a Masters in Education and a Masters in Religious Education. In 1976, Sister Alonza was elected to serve on the provincial council which included the roles of Director of Education, Coordinator of Ministries and numerous other internal ministries for the province. In 1989, after two terms as provincial councilor, sister returned to full-time education as principal and teacher in her home town of Bremond, TX at St. Mary School where her own formal education had begun. It was here in 1996 that her health began to fail and she said good-bye to a ministry that was near and dear to her heart. Upon her return to Assumption Convent in Rio Rancho, she continued to be involved in various internal ministries until prayer and suffering became her vital ministries. To her final day, she remained faithful to community prayer and no matter how severe her pain may have been no one ever heard a single word of complaint. Sister Alonza will be remembered for her endless energy, her commitment to education and her involvement in community as well as her silent suffering, her gift of prayer and her gracious presence. Sister was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Stanley and Anthony (Antone) Kowalski, her sisters Rose Slafka, Ann Mensay and Sophie Wasik. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Rosary and Wake Services will be held at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Convent Chapel on Tuesday, December 14, 2010, at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at the same location on Wednesday, December 15, 2010, at 9:00 AM. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven in Albuquerque, NM. Arrangements are entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services Sara Road Chapel 4310 Sara Road SE at Meadowlark Lane Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87124 505-892-9920