Southbridge: Janina W. Swiacki, 80, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 21st, in the UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus, Worcester, after a long illness.

More than likely you just thought of her as "one of the sisters" and never even knew that her name was Janina.  Actually, that was most acceptable because both girls understood how well they complemented each other, and truly melded as one.

These life-long Southbridge residents had careers as educators that spanned three decades.  Janina guided and nurtured third graders at Burgess Elementary School in Sturbridge.

Upon retirement Janina and Nancy chose to emulate the legacy left by their parents demise.  In Joseph L. Swiacki's memory a carillon in the tower of the former St. Hedwig's Church provided music for parishioners and neighbors.  When Anita W. (Szumilas) Swiacki passed, an entrance marker and plot steered visitors into St. Hedwig's Cemetery.

So, the sibling duo made a vow to find a way to honor all the people and institutions that molded them into the women they had become.  Project Number One in 2004 involved the placement of a landscaped cement stair area that led down a steep hillside from Burgess Elementary School to the ballfield.  Ultimately the spot fell victim to the school's addition.

Next came the challenge of being the Founding Members of the Optical Sculpture Committee.  The 20' tall eyeglass frame has graced the Southbridge Town Common since 2010 and, will, for many years to come.

Shortly after that installation, a collaboration was formed with the UConn Foundation in 2014 for the erection of the "Weaving Shuttle" sculpture at the revitalized downtown area in Storrs, CT.

What delight came next when the two Framingham State alums proposed that a Ram sculpture would be most appropriate on campus.  Since his birth and arrival in 2016, students have decorated their mascot for each calendar year event and season.

Following that endeavor, as members of the Harrington Hospital Auxiliary Board, the pair was given the charge to find the means to develop multidimensional art for the relocated chapel in the building.  The resulting contemplative, nondenominational triptych by two CT artisans has brought solace to staff, patients and visitors – especially during the pandemic.

But, the most humbling involvement has been on the Framingham State University campus with a committee that organizes an annual event for students, staff and the general public that goes back decades.  In the evening of the first Thursday in November a roomful of educators, librarians, parents and grandparents enjoy a meal followed by a presentation by noted speakers in the field of Children's Literature.  If you are so motivated, Janina and Nancy would smile if you made even the smallest of donations to the Swiacki Children's Literature Festival (check memo SCLF), Framingham State University Foundation, Framingham State University, 100 State St., P.O. Box 9101, Framingham, MA 01701-9101.  c/o Eric Gustafson, VP of Development and Alumni Relations.

Janina's funeral will be held on Saturday, December 27th, from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a funeral Mass at 11:00am in St. Mary's Church of the St. John Paul II Parish, 263 Hamilton St., Southbridge.  Burial will follow in St. Hedwig's Cemetery, Southbridge.  A calling hour in the funeral home will be held on Saturday, December 27th, from 9:30 to 10:30am, prior to the Mass.

www.morrillfuneralhome.com