Maria Wilczek

Maria U. (Prokopiak) Wilczek, 73, passed on to her eternal rest unexpectedly on Friday, February 7, 2025. Maria was a beloved and cherished wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, but undoubtedly her favorite name was Babcia, Grandmother in Polish.

Born on May 2, 1951 in Warsaw, Poland she was the daughter of the late Alojzy and Irena (Bogusiewicz) Prokopiak. Maria emigrated to the United States at the age of 21 and married her husband, Rev. Jan Wilczek, also of Poland. They shared 42 years of marriage together before his passing in 2016.

Maria was formerly employed by the Cliftex Corporation in New Bedford before spending 28 years working for Brahmin Leather Works up until her retirement. She was a friend to everyone she met, whether she knew them for 50 years or for just a few minutes from a quick chat at the grocery store. She was an amazing cook and entertainer and always made sure that nobody ever left her home hungry.

She was a deeply faithful and devoted member of the Blessed Trinity Church in Fall River. She was a constant at every mass and church event where her expertise in Polish cuisine was always very much relied upon. Her parish family was a true extension of her own family whom she would meet with several times a week.

Maria also loved spending time reading her Danielle Steel novels, completing jigsaw puzzles and taking care of and feeding all the furry creatures in her yard. She would love to sit in her yard and watch the various birds, bunnies, deer and chipmunks enjoy the feast she would painstakingly prepare for them.

Above all else Maria was the center of her family and always made sure that they knew how much she truly loved them. She found so much joy in every moment spent with those she loved the most and making sure they had everything they needed and were never, ever hungry. She will be forever dearly missed.

Maria is survived by her son Adam Wilczek of Fairhaven. Her daughter Joanna Barker and son-in-law Ryan of New Bedford. Her cherished grandchildren Aidan Wilczek, Gabrielle and Maya Barker as well as Janelle Mercer, Rachel Daigle, her husband Austin and 2 great-grandsons Jason and Cameron Daigle. Her sister Barbara Klisz and brother Adam Prokopiak, both of Warsaw Poland as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation Wednesday, February 12, from 4 PM to 8 PM. at the Auclair Funeral Home, 690 So.Main St. Fall River. Her funeral will be held Thursday, February 13, at 10:00 AM from the funeral home, with a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at Blessed Trinity Polish National Catholic Church, 37 Winthrop St. Fall River. Burial will follow at Polish National Cemetery, New Bedford.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Blessed Trinity Polish National Catholic Church, 37 Winthrop St. Fall River, MA 02721.