Hanna Puzio

Hanna Puzio (nee Kapelanowska), age 63, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at home in the loving care of her family.

Hanna was born in Zambrów, Poland, and was one of four children to Witold Kapelanowski and Bronislawa Sadowski. Following her high school graduation, Hanna attended college in Poland and earned her degree in Education. She was a History and Language Arts teacher, as well as a librarian, at the local grade school for many years. In 1992, she immigrated to the United States in search of better opportunities for her family. Hanna was truly proud of her Polish heritage and continued to practice Polish traditions while assimilating to her new American life.

Upon arriving in the United States, Hanna and her three children joined her mother in Clifton, NJ. Hanna married the love of her life, Józef Puzio, on September 9, 1999. While living in Clifton, they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Olivia. The Puzios resided in Clifton until 2010, when they moved to Wayne. Hanna and Józef have called Wayne their home since.

Hanna remained devoted to her career as an educator and treasured teaching in various local Polish schools. She was very active in the Polish community. In 2021, she was awarded and proudly accepted the KEN Medal from the National Education Commission for her commitment and contributions to the field.

Hanna led a rewarding life. From a young age, she adored reading books of various genres. She was an excellent cook and loved to bake. She traveled extensively with her family, checking off numerous domestic and international iconic sights. She enjoyed adorning her yard with beautiful flowers and plants. Aside from all of Hanna’s talents, hobbies, and interests, her greatest passion was her family. Nothing in the world meant more to Hanna than caring for and supporting her husband, children, and grandchildren. She was a truly selfless mother who sacrificed a great deal to provide the best for her children, particularly her daughter, Angela. Hanna and Józef cherished twenty-three years of loving and loyal marriage together. Hanna was also committed to her Catholic Faith.  The Puzios were parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Wayne for many years.  

Hanna was an extremely strong woman, steadfast and tenacious. She lived her life with great purpose and intention. Hanna was always willing to lend an ear and offer her wisdom and guidance to anyone in need. She was an extraordinary person who touched the lives of everyone around her and will be sincerely missed by family and friends alike.

Hanna is survived by her husband, Józef Puzio; her four children: daughter Angela Jastrzebska, son Dorian Jastrzebski, daughter Dagmara Jastrzebska and husband Daniel Stratthaus, and daughter Olivia Puzio; her two sisters: Wanda Lendzion and husband Kazimierz, and Barbara Kaminska; and her three grandchildren: Sophie Jastrzebski, Hailey Stratthaus, and Zachary Stratthaus. She was predeceased by her brother Kazimierz Kapelanowski.