Obituary of Christina M. Szmauz

On March 21, 2024 Christina M Szmauz passed away peacefully in CareOne assisted living facility in Hamilton, NJ. Christina was born on December 18, 1928 in Pszczyna, Poland as a first daughter of Tadeusz and Maria (Kowalska) Kotowicz. When her father obtained a position as a tutor for Stanislaw Radziwill, the family moved to the estate of Prince Radziwill in Olyka, Wolyn. Her idyllic childhood playing in the fields and in the palace with her sisters Anna and Barbara, was changed forever by the outbreak of the Second World War. During the tumultuous time of survival, the youngest sister Elzbieta (Malinka) was born. At this time, Christina had to grow up quickly while taking responsibility of caring for her family members. It was also during this time when she met the love of her life, Leon Szmauz. The upheaval of the war and Ukrainian massacres forced them to flee to their family living in Opoczno, Poland. It was there where Christina graduated from Gimnazjum in 1947, followed by Nowy Sacz Liceum Ogolnoksztalacace dla Pracujacych in 1957. Her professional career in medicine began in Lodz where she graduated with a nursing degree. While working full time as a nurse she also studied for her medical degree which she obtained in 1964. Between 1964 and 1972 she practiced as a family doctor in Roznow and Jazowsko, near Nowy Sacz. In late 1972, the youthful relationship between Christina and Leon was renewed after many years and many miles apart. She left her beloved Poland and family to start a new life with Leon in America. Their loving marriage ended with the sudden death of Leon in November 1984. While in New Jersey, she completed courses at Saint Barnabas Medical Center and briefly worked at Princton University as a job assistant. Being unable to practice her profession in NJ, she focused on her family, friends, and home. To those left in Poland, Christina provided constant help and support. Tens of packages per year were sent to her close and distant family members. She opened her heart and home to newcomers from her motherland. The basement of her little house in Lawrenceville was a hub for many long night conversations, music, and laughter for those seeking a connection to Poland. Many ever-lasting friendships and even a few marriages were established during those get togethers. Despite a life of hardship and challenges Christina was known for her hard work, abundant energy, optimism, support, and humor. Those of us who have been touched by Christina’s heart hope she now rests in peace with her loved ones. Christina was predeceased by her parents Tadeusz and Maria, husband Leon and her sister Anna (Sojka). She leaves her son Jacek Adamus and his wife Ewa, stepsons Richard (Maria) and Christopher (Deborah) Szmauz, sisters Barbara Wirkijowska and Elzbieta Tzoneva-Eysymont. She is also survived by her grandsons Michal, Bernard and Aleksander Adamus, step grandchildren Andrew, Jessica, Acadia, Alex and Natalia Szmauz; as well as nieces and nephews: Wojciech (Halina) Wirkijowski, Piotr (Dorota) Wirkijowski, Stanislaw (Anna) Sojka, Dorota (Albert) Karwowski, Joanna (Michal) Lohn Zajac, Delyan (Flora) Tzonev. Additionally, she leaves her very many friends who will miss her dearly. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 10:30AM at St Hedwig Parish, 872 Brunswick Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08638. Inurnment will be held at St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Hamilton, NJ. Visitation will be held for Christina on Wednesday morning from 9-10AM at Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors, 650 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648. The family wishes to send special thanks to the staff of CareOne of Hamilton and Affinity Care Hospice for their care and extend special thanks to Cecilia (Cece) from CareOne and Teresa Rosinska, According to Christina’s wishes, in lieu of flowers please consider donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.