Ann Stacia Galarowicz entered eternal life on April 6, 2017, at the age of 102. Her spirit is carried on by her five children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
At age 86, she relocated and acclimated to Madison. Always a life-long learner, she enrolled in a computer class at the technical college, participated in several book clubs and exercise classes, and became active in Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. She lived independently in her own home until 101.
Her 35-year teaching career included several one-room schools in Milwaukee and Langlade Counties, followed by 16 years as a teaching principal at Pleasant View School. She retired in 1977. As a tribute to her innovative teaching style, she was remembered by numerous former students who sent her cards for her 100th birthday. Even after 40, 50 or 60 years they recalled her many mnemonics. (For example: "What is D sunshine vitamin?")
A graduate of Antigo High School and Langlade County Normal School, she received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. As a parishioner of St. Hyacinth Catholic Church, she participated in the Rosary Society and church choir. She was a life member of the Langlade County Historical Society and a life member of the National, Wisconsin and Langlade County Retired Teachers Associations.
Mrs. Galarowicz was born on February 10, 1915 in Antigo, a daughter of the late Joseph and Anna (Kaczmarczyk) Drozdik. She married John Galarowicz on March 24, 1948 in Milwaukee. He preceded her in death on June 10, 1988. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by five sisters (Ella, Helen, Rose, Genevieve and Catherine), and a brother Frank.
Survivors include three daughters, Judith Galar, Carol Quick, and Linda (Charles) Gorchels; two sons, Arlan (Lynnann) Galarowicz, and Gene (Babette) Galarowicz; and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 10 at 10:00 a.m. at SS Mary & Hyacinth Catholic Church with Reverend David Schmidt officiating. Burial will take place in Queen of Peace Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday at the Bradley Funeral Home from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m..
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace School Endowment Fund, at her home church in Madison (Our Lady Queen of Peace, 401 S Owen Drive, Madison, WI 53711).
Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com.
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Antigo, WI 54409
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Antigo, Wisconsin 54409
Our family is keeping you all in our hearts and prayers! What an amazing lady who touched so many! Meeting her and spending time with her at family gatherings was a treat and we feel so blessed to have known her. May you all have comfort in the beautiful memories that you have made with her. Please connect with us and let us know if you need anything. Take care everyone. Sending all our love your way! The Schrys
Grandma Ann, no wordswill express what you have meant to me. You were a Godsent blessing, always. As I sit here holding sleeping Emilia, I pray I will be as good of a grandma for her as you were for Staci. Staci Anne was named after you. I was so pleased when you told us that your middle name was Emilia. The spelling may not be the same, but having Emilia and my daughter, Amalia, be the people this little girl makes me think of, makes my heart smile. Thank you for helping me be a better person. Grandma, I love you, and God is blessing you.
WOW! What a lady How I wish I had known her better She was in the spiritual reading group I was in for a few years. Sweet, happy, smart. kind God must be so happy to welcome her home
Grandma, you will be truly missed. I remember talking to you about the Great Depression when I was talking about it in school. I also remember within the last few weeks I remember asking if I am still going into Event Planning, dad (Arlan) and I told you that I got into UW-Stout for Event Planning and I start in the fall. I also remember becasue I struggle with reading and at times you would work with me to help get me better. Thank you and you will be missed but always in my heart. Love you and God Bless You.
As I reflected on Mom's life, I saw a bigger picture than I did living in the day-to-day. She was a conservationist before it became trendy. (Her philosophy had always been: reduce, reuse, recycle.) She supported women's rights in a quiet, yet sincere way. (There were few female principals when she started.) She had a profound work ethic. (Many times when I had to stay up late studying for a test, or had to put in extra hours at work, I heard Mom saying, "No pains, no gains. No sacrifices, no rewards.") She supported the underdogs, helped everyone she could, and almost never lost her temper.
Mom would have done anything for her grandkids, and we enjoyed many meals at Uncle Frank's, Bass Lake and Jack Lake. Halloween and Easter parades, as well as Christmases, were special to her. She was the glue of the family. We will miss her.
Grandma, thanks for all the great memories you created throughout our lives. You will always be missed.
I am sorry for your loss. Your mother contributed much to many. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and the family. Bob Shaver
So sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom she was a very great teacher at Pleasant view.
My thoughts n Prayers to all the family's..
Going to miss her so much..
It was a blessing to have her for A teacher she was so sweet n so kind to us all.
My heart goes out to everyone..
Love you n will miss you so much.
What an amazing and fulfilled life she seems to have had. I know how well her family took care of her in her later years. My condolences to you Linda and Chuck and your entire family. Mal Jeffris
I was extremely fortunate to have been a student of Mrs. Galarowicz at Pleasant View. She was an instructor beyond compare. She was instrumental in paving the way for the career I have today.
Sincere sympathy to her family.
Judy Schmiester Lother
Arlan and Family,
She must have been a very special person who enjoyed life to the fullest. My prayers are with you and your family. May God bless her.
Arlan and Family,
My sincere condolences! I know your mom was a very special person with an amazing passion and level of energy for life.
Liz Ferger
Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Fond memories of Mrs. Galarowicz at Pleasant View. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
What a beautiful picture of a very beautiful, caring lady! Your mother was a great role model for us when Ron and I taught at Pleasant View School. We highly respected her and appreciated her calming demeanor with students, parents, and staff. She wrote something really neat in my mother's Hi-Light when they were in high school. Then years later, our son enjoyed her as his teacher. She made the world more beautiful!
Sincere sympathy,
Nancy Blood
Remember all the scrabble games we played? And of course, the popcorn and wine! I'll miss a great friend and Mom. You were all heart. ❤
Arlan & Family,
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Take care,
Cindy Reetz (TJMS)
Mom was and continues to be a loving inspiration to her family and friends. She was a strong force in the lives of those who were lucky enough to know her. We will miss her dearly.
She was a truly wonderful lady, a teacher who was wholly involved with each student she taught! She wanted us to learn and remember the things she taught us. I'm sure heaven is celebrating her arrival! My deepest sympathies to the family.
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