On Sunday, October 2nd, the Saint Joseph School community gathered in the school’s playground to dedicate a new reading bench and outdoor library in memory of Mrs. Jacqueline Skrocki. For many years, Mrs. Skrocki provided reading support to Saint Joseph School students through the Title I Program. She was also the Chairperson of the Saint Joseph School Consultative Education Board and a committed volunteer at Friday night bingo events and many Polish Festivals. In addition to supporting the school, Mrs. Skrocki was a parishioner at Saint Joseph Basilica and a woman of great faith. As the Saint Joseph First Communion Class co-instructor, she guided many children to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist. In addition, she served others as an officer of the Saint Joseph Women’s Club and a member of the Holy Rosary and Sacred Heart Sodalities.
Pastor and Headmaster Rev. Grzegorz Chodkowski blessed the new reading bench, and Mrs. Skrocki’s husband, Mr. Richard Skrocki, said a few words, reminding everyone of Jacqueline’s hard work and dedication to her students. In addition, Mrs. Skrocki’s sons Brian and Andrew Skrocki, granddaughters Olivia and Vivienne Skrocki, nieces Piper and Julie Zalewski, brother Robert Zalewski, nephew Mark Zalewski, Aunt Sylvia Kozlowski, Saint Joseph School Principal Beth Boudreau, members of the school’s faculty and staff, parishioners, and friends attended the dedication.
The bench will keep the memory of our wonderful friend and her love of reading alive with students and faculty. Included with the bench is an outdoor library box where books can be stored and shared. The bench was beautifully detailed in memory of Mrs. Skrocki by local artist and Saint Joseph School graduate David Laabs of the Airbrush Shack.
Mrs. Skrocki was a kind, loving, and patient individual who touched the lives of many. She is missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Saint Joseph School is proud to keep her love of children and dedication to literacy alive through this new outdoor reading area.
To view more photos of the dedication ceremony, please click HERE.
