Casimira H. Nawojczyk

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Casimira H Nawojczyk, age 86, of Wayne, NJ.

Casimira passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 while receiving the loving care of her family.  Those who came to know Casimira affectionately referred to her as “Cathy.” Casimira, daughter to Anthony and Jadzia Nawojczik, was born and raised in Brooklyn. NY and was the youngest of six children. Cathy attended Bishop McDonnell High School in Brooklyn and graduated in  class of 1955.  She quickly found employment as Secretary in the New York City area and after working for a time in New York City, she ultimately relocated to Garfield, NJ.  In Garfield she was employed as Office Manager for a textile company until she retired.   In approximately 2011, Cathy purchased her first and only home in Wayne, NJ reluctantly but excitedly leaving her beloved Garfield apartment and friends.  

As a young lady, Cathy devoted much of her time to caring for her mother who suffered from Parkinson’s Disease.  Cathy, a remarkable woman with a heart full of warmth and compassion and chose to devote her life to family, friends, others and Christ. Choosing not to have a family of her own, Cathy became a pillar of support for her friends and their families. Devoting herself to others, her selflessness and nurturing nature knew no bounds.  She invested her time, love, and wisdom in the lives of her siblings' children as well as the children of friends, treating them as if they were her own; she even played “Santa Claus” for those children throughout the years. For many years  she has been a supporting Donor to many Charitable Organizations including “Christian Foundation for Children and Aging” and “Unbound” through which she provides monetary and spiritual support to two girls one in Philippines and one in Guatemala.  Through her genuine care and unwavering presence,It was clear to all who knew Cathy, her greatest passion in life was for her family and friends.  Cathy,  family was not solely defined by blood but by bonds of love and chosen connections believing them  to be just as profound and enduring.  She also spent a great time volunteering to various organizations including a great length of time as a Hospice Worker for Visiting Nurses of NJ;  her “personal ministry” was devoted to delivering food to the nuns in the Paterson area of New Jersey.  Nothing in the world meant more to Cathy than  spending time with and caring for her family, friends, and extended family.

Cathy also truly devoted herself  to her Christian morals and values, and  her Catholic Faith throughout her life.   As a young woman she became GodMother to her niece Mari and later also became her Confirmation and Miraculous Medal Sponsor.  Cathy  fastidiously exemplified the meaning and responsibility of those roles as well as instilled, encouraged and modeled  the importance and values of Christianity to everyone.  In May of 2017 she was professed as “ Third Order Carmalite” by Fr. Ashley at Our Lady of Magnificat RC Church in Kinnelon  Cathy was parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Wayne for many years; however, she was known to clergy and parishioners at most of the Catholic Churches and several non-denominational Churches visiting and attending multiple Masses daily and weekends; Cathy and her circle of friends were known as the “Roaming Catholics” by one of the local priests.  When Cathy was not attending mass, she devoted many hours praying for others in the adoration chapel and as a member of her weekly Prayer Group.  She was an avid reader and researcher focused on increasing and personifying her beliefs through books on Christianity, Religion and Healing through spiritual means.   She was a member of the “Oatmeal Club”, a circle of close friends who attended Mass together every Friday and treasured sharing breakfast afterward at Panera’s.

Travel and adventure were Cathy’s favorite pastimes; exotic beachy destinations including Jamaica, St Thomas, Puerto Rico spots although Aruba was most memorable of all.  

Cathy was a talkative charming lady with a boisterous laugh; who enjoyed telling and listening to jokes and could light up any room she walked into with her infectious personality and wonderful sense of humor.  She was a true friend to all those around her and could always be counted on to listen when someone had something to say.  She also treasured eating Polish food and dancing the Polka.  Cathy will forever be remembered as a truly devoted member of her family and a wonderfully dedicated friend.  She was a genuinely special person who was not materialistic, but very spiritual, touching the lives of everyone around her.  She was a very spiritual person, both  spiritual guide and source of spiritual inspiration to many; her spirituality included medical, emotional and Holistic healing.  Cathy will be sincerely missed by her family and friends.

Cathy is survived by sixteen nieces and nephews; Karen Buckley of Boca Raton, FL, Mari Csiszer of Springfield, VT, Monica Jones of West Islip, NY, Charlie Zdebski of Alexandria, VA, Tom Devine of Oradell, NJ, Chris Devine of Oradell, NJ, Jimmy Devine of Fort Worth, TX, Glenn Nowachek, Linda Nowachek of Fire Island, NY, Greg Sciora of Matawan, NJ, Ricky Sciora of New Jersey, Chris Sciora of Texas, Ron Nawojczyk of North Carolina, Diana Nawojczyk of Missouri, Carolyn Dipsey of New Jersey, and Jimmy Nawojczyk of New Jersey.  She is also survived by her extended family and friends: Blanca Pinos, Nellie Pinos, Grace DeMarco, Victor DeMarco, Martha Higuera, Alfred Higuera, Mark Higuera, Erica Higuera Stephen Higuera, Jill Higeura, Andrew DeMarco, Emilia DeMarco, Derek DeMarco, Jordan DeMarco, and Mia DeMarco.  Cathy was predeceased by her siblings Anthony Nowachek, Lorraine Sciora, Gabe Nawojczyk, Sophie Zdebski and Genevive Devine and nephews Chris and Lawrence Devine.

For a livestream of the funeral mass please visit www.olmchurch.org

Those wishing to make a donation in Cathy’s name are asked to consider Several Sources Shelter, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Catholic Charities, or Carmalite Communities