Resident Profile:
Ms. Jane Szewcyzk

Jane Szewczyk was a year and a half old when her family moved to Detroit, Michigan from Moszczenica, Poland in 1929. (pronounced Most-chen-eat-sa) "The town was near the mountains and the ski resorts. I call myself a Polish hillbilly!" laughs Jane. "My father worked on the lifts that carried the skiers up to the top of the mountain. My grandparents were farmers."

Jane's father, Frank Dobek was originally born in Pennsylvania, but his parents moved back to Poland soon after he was born. When he was old enough to return to the U.S., he found a job in Detroit, Michigan and saved enough money to send for his wife and daughter. It was his U.S. citizenship that allowed his wife and daughter to be American citizens upon their arrival in the U.S. Jane called Detroit, Michigan home for nearly 50 years.

In her youth, Jane and her friends enjoyed exploring the then open fields around the city of Detroit. "We'd walk for hours." says Jane. "Other days we'd walk down Michigan Avenue in the city and just look in the store windows."

On August 24, 1946 in Detroit, Michigan, Jane married Andy Szewczyk, a machine designer. They we're married for 59 years. Theirs was a marriage of much happiness, love, and devotion. They had five children, Andy, David, Diane, Daniel, and James. Jane is now also the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren.

Jane smiles when she talks about her husband Andy. "He always called me 'Jeannie', because he felt I didn't look like a plain Jane." When I was angry with him about something, I'd call him either 'Charlie' or 'Sam!' "

Andy became quite ill in 2004 and they moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin to live with their daughter, Diane. In August of 2005 Andy passed away. After a time, Jane wanted her independence and her own home, so she decided to give St. Catherine Commons a try. It's a decision she celebrates daily. "My daughter and I looked at other facilities, but when I saw St. Catherine Commons, it was like coming home. It's a brand new life for me." says Jane. "I love to participate in the many activities and volunteer in the coffee shop. I enjoy playing poker games with my new friends. There are always movies to watch together and lots of holiday parties in the Community Room. I developed a new friendship with a very special friend, Eva, and we enjoy exercising together. St. Catherine's Common is truly home to me."