Edna Sally Nawrocki

Edna Sally Gryszowka Nawrocki, “The Greatest Kindergarten Teacher that North Smithfield ever had!,” passed away peacefully on October 27th after a period of declining health. North Smithfield born (1927) and North Smithfield bred, she was a bit of a North Smithfield icon. At the time of her passing (aged 96) she was a resident at Crystal Lake Rehabilitation and Care Centre, Pascoag, RI where she received loving and professional care.

Edna was an incredibly strong-willed woman, and she passed this trait down to children and granddaughters. Her passionate belief in women’s rights and in the role of education for improving people’s lives made her inspirational to her family and loved ones. She was curious about the world around her and always willing to discuss new ideas. Embracing people from all walks of life, she never forgot a face. Edna remembered all her past students, their good qualities and their not so good ones. On numerous ambulance trips to hospital, she could name most of the firemen present and the year that they were in her kindergarten class. A grocery shopping trip was never quick, since she would stop to have a chat with each former student. Buying milk and bread could easily turn into a three-hour event.

The sole child of the late Boleslaw Gryszowka (1903-1978) and Magdalena Ciurus Gryszowka (1904-1954), Edna married Stanley Frank Nawrocki (1925-2015) in 1955. Edna is survived by her children Dalen Ann Nawrocka Favali (husband Joseph) of North Smithfield, her son Leon William Nawrocki (partner Liz Weekes) of London, United Kingdom and her two granddaughters, Magda and Anna Nawrocka-Weekes. Edna stayed connected to her Polish heritage throughout her 96 years. She and Stanley had a love of their culture’s cuisine and customs which they delighted in sharing with their children and grandchildren.

Edna began her education at Waterford Primary School, moving on to Kendal Dean Grammar School, Woonsocket High School, and obtained her degree from Rhode Island College for Education in 1949. After qualifying, she worked at the Wallum Lake Sanatorium School (teaching children with tuberculosis), then taught at Bushee Elementary School, Kendal Dean Elementary School and ended her career at the North Smithfield Elementary School. She met her husband whilst on her education journey and in 1955 he proposed with a water lily, a symbol that stuck with them through to their 60th wedding anniversary.

Faith was very important to Edna, who was a member of the Polish National Catholic Church of Our Saviour. She gave her time to the Sunday School, the Ladies Altar Adoration Society, harvest festival, pierogi-making sessions and after-church theatrics. She ploughed through each academic year with the school holidays and events as reference points. Of all the major holidays, Christmas was her favourite with the trees, decorations, and gift-giving traditions bringing her particular joy.

Edna was a considerate and kind kindergarten teacher, a loyal wife, a faithful parishioner and a good mother. She will be missed and always remembered by those who knew her.

Edna always said that education was the one thing that they could never take from you; be greedy and get as much education as you can. Thus, no flowers, no trees, please, just help a young person obtain the best education that they can acquire. They will be eternally grateful.

Her funeral will be held, Monday November 11, 2024 at 10AM in the Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main St., Woonsocket, followed by a Mass at 11AM in Polish National Catholic Church of Our Savior, 500 Smithfield Rd., Woonsocket. Burial will follow in the Polish National Catholic Cemetery, Farm St, Blackstone, MA. Calling hours are Sunday from 2-4PM. 

www.holtfuneralhome.com