Mary (Blahowsky) Kaniewski

Mary Kaniewski was born to eternal life on Friday, November 15th, 2019 at the age of 81.  Survived by loving husband of 56 years, John; daughters Kathleen Kaniewski and Karen (Ned) Price; grandchildren Drew and Taylor Price; cousins Idka (Atty. Andrew) Rajec and Dr. Jan (Sandy) Riecan and other relatives and friends both here and in Slovakia.

Mary was an only child, born first generation American from her parents who came to this country from Slovakia (Michael Blahowsky and Irene (nee Frastacka) Blahowsky).  She graduated from Messmer High School and worked as an Executive Assistant in many organizations such as Allis Chalmers and Marquette University (to name a few of her favorites).  She loved being Slovak and her Slovak heritage was always a big part of her life.  She performed in many Slovak plays and was a dancer in the original Slovak Dance Group in Milwaukee.  It was so important to her that her daughters grew up with many Slovak customs such as Fasiangy (Slovak Mardi Gras) and pilgrimages to Holy Hill to honor Mary the Blessed Mother. They were also dancers in the Tatra Slovak Dance Group for decades. 

Mary was also an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish for 31 years and always considered them her second family.  She was a member of both the Adult Choir and the Resurrection Choir.  The highlight of her week was choir rehearsals where she got to see everyone. 

Mary loved her family more than anything and was always present for any activity of her daughters and then her grandchildren.  The grandchildren called her “Lala” as “grandma” was too hard to say when they were little.  They held a very special place in her heart and she was enjoying watching them become amazing adults. 

Mary loved to go Polka dancing with her husband whenever they had the chance.  Her smile and laughter when she was doing what she loved was something that will always be remembered. 

Visitation will be held for Mary on Saturday, November 23, 2019, from 9:00AM until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30AM, all at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 3722 South 58th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53220. Interment will follow the Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make donations in Mary's name to your favorite charity.

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