Elizabeth Mowczko

Elizabeth Pauline Mowczko died on August 25, 2009. She was born to naturalized Polish immigrants on August 23, 1917 in Buffalo, New York. She was the third eldest of five children, and attended Assumption Parish School. She married her husband Peter on October 5, 1939. Together, they lived in various locations throughout the country, following her husband's career in the defense and other manufacturing industries. Elizabeth's life was complete, filled with many challenges and joys. Challenges began soon after WW II when Elizabeth, Peter, and their two sons, Conrad and William, tried working a small farm in Western New York. Later, the family owned a heating contracting, and a small hardware retail business. In 1954, Peter embarked on new a career in the defense industry and the family moved to Denver, Colorado. Here is where Elizabeth and Peter started a "second family" with the birth of two more children, Timothy and Maribeth. In 1963, Elizabeth, Peter, Timothy, and Maribeth moved to Orlando Florida, again to follow Peter's career in the defense industry. There Elizabeth was diagnosed with malignant Melanoma cancer. The treatments were long and difficult, but her internal strength and strong Roman Catholic faith, along with family support helped to survive such a tremendous medical challenge. Elizabeth experienced many joys throughout her life. She experienced great happiness in seeing her children graduate from high school and college, and move on to succeed in their own career choices. She loved Sunday activities such as drives in the Colorado Rockies and relaxing on the on the Florida Gulf coast beaches. She also enjoyed trips back to Buffalo to visit family and friends. As a devoted wife and homemaker, Elizabeth supported her husband as they moved from times of impoverishment to a comfortable middle class life style. After the death of her husband in 1995, she had the support of her children, which allowed her to spend her final years in her home in Sun City. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents Anthony and Mary Golonka; her husband, Peter; infant son, Ralf, and son, Timothy. She is survived by her youngest sister Florence Antkowiak, of Buffalo, New York; her sons Conrad, of Sun City, Arizona and William JoAnne of Yuma, Arizona; and her daughter Maribeth Larry Bueche of Benton, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Joshua Mowczko of Seattle, Washington; Matthew Mowczko of Germantown, Maryland; Kristin Vince Galaviz of Georgetown, Texas; Katelyn Michael Maranda of Enterprise, Alabama; Sarah Bueche of Benton, Arkansas; and one great-grandchild. Elizabeth will be remembered and missed for her devotion and dedication to family. Visitation will be held Monday, August 31, 2009, from 5 PM to 8 PM, at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 North 103rd Ave., Sun City, Arizona. A Rosary will be said beginning at 7 PM. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday at 10:00 am at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church, 15800 Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, Arizona. Interment will follow at Sunland Memorial Park.