Sophie "Zofia" Banasikowski

Banasikowski, Sophie (Zofia nee Brzozowska) Born May 15, 1920 in Suwalki, Poland. Died in Spring Hill, Florida on January 21, 2016 daughter of Stanislawa (nee Miezio) & Wladyslaw Brzozowski Preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Col. Edmund G. Banasikowski, three sisters and three brothers in Poland and the United States. Survived by children: Barbara (Leon) Smith, Richard (Ewa) Banasikowski, grandchildren: Gregory Smith (Tina Edwards), Julia and Monica Banasikowski, great grandchildren, Kayla (Patrick Montgomery) Smith, Krystal and Michael Smith, great great granddaughter, Adelynn Montgomery. Nieces and nephews: Maria (Roman) Racz and Marek (Bozena) Brzozowski, Suwalki, Poland, Rosemarie (Don) Hubert, Helen Gardner, Ronald (Lisl) Brzozowski, John (Sharyl) Brzozowski, Joyce (Bob) Keskey in the United States. Waldemar (Janina) Banasikowski, Andrzej (Miroslawa) Banasikowski, Katowice, Poland Zofia was the first woman speed skater in Suwalki, Poland. She was the 1st place winner in the Speed Skating National Competition. Her dream to be Olympic hopeful was shattered when the Nazis invaded Poland in 1939. Taken prisoner by the Soviets in November 1940 and sent to do forced labor in a textile factory in Klajpeda. Released in July 1941, but arrested a few days later by the Germans and sent to Soldau concentration camp in Dzialdowo. In December 1941 sent to Plonsk to care for children in a Volksdeutshe family. Released in May 1942. Arrested again in May 1944 and sent to do more forced labor in the fields at the Klein Zakrau estate. When the Russian front was approaching, she was sent to Ravensbruck concentration camp in October 1944 and then assigned to work at Siemens factory. Near the end of World War II, she and many camp survivors were rescued and liberated by the Swedish Red Cross. Taken to Malmo, Sweden, she met and married Edmund, a Polish officer in the Polish Resistance and started a new life. Having family in Milwaukee, she emigrated there with her daughter. Her husband joined them a couple of years later. Her love and knowledge of Polish culture and folk dance became visible in the Polish community. She was a Polish dance instructor in Milwaukee teaching thousands of youth for the Polish Roman Catholic Union (PRCU) 1952-1963, Polish Women's Alliance (PWA) 1963, Polish National Alliance (PNA) 1963-1990. She choreographed Polish Folk dance for the annual PRCU concerts, PRCU conventions in Chicago and Stevens Point. Beginning in 1952 she choreographed nine performances for the International Institute Folk Fair. When the Polish community was featured during the 19th International Institute's Folk Fair, she choreographed the Polish Folk dances and arranged the dances to the accompaniment of New Life Choir (Chor Nowe Zycie). She designed and created Christmas tree ornaments for permanent display at the Milwaukee Public Museum. As a Polanki member, she did presentations about Polish traditions for the International Institute Folk Fair Polish Exhibit. She provided presentations on Polish Customs and Traditions on local television. Many of these presentations were filmed in her home in Milwaukee. Member of Poland's Skating Society in 1938, PRCU of America, PNA 1952-73, "Polanki" Polish Women's Cultural Club 1960-1973, Polish American Congress from 1960, Political Prisoners Association, Polish Veterans of WWII-S.P.K., Polish Home Army Veterans Association and Century Club-Rexnord from where she retired. St. Mary's of Hales Corners parishioner 1972-2004. She was awarded the Auschwitz Cross, the Polish Home Army Cross, Polish Army Medal by the Polish Government in Exile, London in 1990, The Distinguished Service award in 1984, the Silver Mark of Distinction in 1987, the Gold Mark of Distinction in 1993, World Federation of Polish Veterans of WWII-S.P.K. London. Visitation Saturday, January 30, 2016, 9-10:45 AM at St. Mary Catholic Faith Community, 9520 W. Forest Home Ave.) with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. Internment at St. Adalbert Cemetery.