Two years ago today my wonderful Busia/Babcia passed away…I miss her all the time.

She was born in B-F, she was baptized in B-F, she lived her life in B-F and she died in B-F.

I wrote this about my grandmother at the time…

She is a big reason why I do the things I do in B-F.  Until she passed, she lived in the same house she did next door to my childhood home in the neighborhood for 60+ years.  She always helped people. Grandma always believed in the neighborhood and always scoffed at any notion of moving out. Well into her late 80s she was active in a block club.  She inspired me to get involved with places like the Broadway Market, Corpus Christi Church, etc. because they are living history and part of the legacy of not only her, but the countless people like her who helped build the neighborhood…it is important to honor the humble lives of these people and to keep their legacy ALIVE.

I share the same birthday with her…it was a special bond we had.

There are no words to describe the thoughts of life without her…I already miss her dearly…in world where we idolize people for all the wrong reasons, my Grandmother was/is my hero.

Rest in peace…I know God has a special place for you.

When I feel down about things in the neighborhood, I think of her.

(From Buffalo News)

LEWANDOWSKI – Helen T. (nee Kormanski) November 29, 2008, beloved wife of the late Felix J. Peplowski and the late Bronislaus J. Lewandowski; devoted mother of the late Robert (late Constance) and late Edward Peplowski, Theresa (late Eugene) Mondel, Rosemarie (late Thomas) Byrd, Denise Peplowski, late Lorraine (Robert) Zielinski and Diane (Larry) Wolcott; loving grandmother of 48; great-grandmother of 50 and a great-great-grandson; dearest sister of Stella (late Vincent) Hodur and the late Florence (late Henry) Penkalski, late Mary (late Anthony) Seweryniak, late Henry (Gertrude), late Gerald (late Mary) and late Alice Kormanski; also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. Family will be present Tuesday and Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM, at the PIETSZAK FUNERAL HOME, 2400 William St., (near Harlem), where services will be held Thursday at 9:45 and St. John Kanty Church at 10:30. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to The Response to Love Center or the St. Lukes Mission of Mercy.

When I got home from the Broadway Market yesterday, I had a bunch of messages on my phone from my mother, aunt and brothers.

I called my mom back and learned that my Babcia had passed away.

I don’t really get into the personal side of my life here on BFA, but for my grandmother I will.

She is a big reason why I do the things I do in B-F.  Until she passed, she lived in the same house she did next door to my childhood home in the neighborhood for 60+ years.  She always helped people. Grandma always believed in the neighborhood and always scoffed at any notion of moving out. Well into her late 80s she was active in a block club.  She inspired me to get involved with places like the Broadway Market, Corpus Christi Church, etc. because they are living history and part of the legacy of not only her, but the countless people like her who helped build the neighborhood…it is important to honor the humble lives of these people and to keep their legacy ALIVE.

I share the same birthday with her…it was a special bond we had.

There are no words to describe the thoughts of life without her…I already miss her dearly…in world where we idolize people for all the wrong reasons, my grandmother was/is my hero.

Rest in peace…I know God has a special place for you.