Jane Ann (Malinowski) Kovalski

Jane Ann (Malinowski) Kovalski passed away on November 18, 2021.  She was born on June 23, 1927, to Jan and Kazimiera (Zielinski) Malinowski in the New City section of Easthampton, Massachusetts.  Jane, who learned to speak English from the Felician Sisters of Sacred Heart Parish in Easthampton, was the valedictorian of Sacred Heart’s 8th grade graduating class and on her 17th birthday she graduated from Easthampton High School. Almost immediately she began her long career at the Massachusetts Division of Employment Security, retiring in 1989.  Her job gave her great satisfaction and earned her many friends throughout the area. It was here she met her late husband, Frank Joseph Kovalski, who passed away on November 17, 1978. Her family is certain that today she and Frank are dancing away to Marion Lush and the Polka All Stars.

            She also served on the Easthampton Housing Authority for over 30 years. She had just decided that her current tenure, which ended on December 31, would be her last. She was a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Holy Rosary Sodality. 

            Besides playing cards and ordering her children to shut off lights; close the refrigerator, and to put her dishes in the sink, Jane was gifted at hoarding Kleenex.  Her superpower was bargain shopping.  She taught her children NEVER to purchase english muffins unless the Big Y had them on a buy one get one special. There is nothing that Jane liked more than dancing to and listening to polka music. Jane absolutely adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren, granting them privileges, such as standing in front of an open refrigerator, which were absolutely denied to all others.

            Jane was predeceased by her brothers Chester (Anna) Malinowski, Stanley (Cecilia) Malinowski, Edward (Ann) Malinowski and her sister Jadwiga (Gerald) Baines.

She is survived by her daughters Susan (James) Overbey of Brimfield, MA, Linda (Paul) Lococo of Easthampton, and Mary (Steve) Valley of Shelton, Washington.  She leaves behind four grandchildren: Joseph Frank (Amy) Overbey of Norwood, MA, Katharine Jane Overbey of Brentwood, NH, Jacob Thomas (Erin) Overbey of Hanover, MA and Nathan Joseph (Tiffany) Lococo of Westfield, MA. Her five great grandchildren are Dagney Overbey, Loghan and Harbor Lococo, and Berkeley and Baylor Overbey. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, her beloved sister in law Ann Malinowski, as well as her kind and much appreciated Truehart Drive neighbors.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday Nov 24 in Our Lady of the Valley Parish at 10am, followed by burial in St Stanislaus Cemetery all of Easthampton.  Calling hours will be Tuesday Nov 23 at the Mitchell Funeral Home from 4 to 7 pm. The family has asked that the mask protocols be observed by all.

            In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make donations to the Easthampton Community Center, 12 Clark St. Easthampton, MA 01027; or to Mustard Seed Missions, Inc. 11 Truehart Drive, Easthampton, MA 01027.

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