Alina Kowalski

Alina Kowalski, 89 passed from this life serenely and peacefully on February 12, 2026 surrounded by her family. Daughter, sister, wife, mother, and aunt, she served as a model of strength, patience, kindness, and faith to family and friends. Her life is a testament to the power of nurturing, selfless, giving, maternal love – serduszko czule.

Alina was born in Huszcka Duza, Lublin Poland, daughter of the late John Goraj and Aniela Szozda, and sibling to Marcelina, Danielle, Janina, Teresa, John, and Joseph. During World War II, the family were taken to a Labor Camp in Germany. When the war ended, the family awaited relocation in a Displaced Persons Camp and eventually immigrated to America, 1947. The family settled in Perth Amboy, NJ where they would begin their adult lives and  become United States Citizens. Along with Marcelina and Danielle, Alina became a seamstress at Maidenform. She also worked as a hairdresser.

At a Polish Dance, Alina met the love of her life – Zenon Kowalski.   The couple married on April 26, 1958. Together they build the foundation of the American dream for each other and their two daughters, Sophia and Barbara. They lived in Perth Amboy, Edison, Monroe Township, Toms River, Haddonfield New Jersey, and Apollo Beach Florida. As a couple, they shared a deep commitment to Polish Culture and their Roman Catholic Faith. At the United Poles of America ZPA, they attended cultural events, formal dances, attended meetings, and marched in parades. Zenon eventually served as president of the organization.  In contrast, Alina was a scoutmaster in Harczestwo -  engaging young scouts in Polish art, culture, song, and dance – Czuwaj! Throughout their married life, the couple traveled and completed pilgrimages to Isreal, Poland,  Fatima, and Rome where they met John Paul II. As parents, they supported both daughters throughout their lives, personally and professionally. They made sacrifices to ensure their daughters completed their education, embarked on professional careers, and enhanced their family lives. Finally, they were loving grandparents who completely spoiled and indulged each and every grandchild from apple pancakes to party dresses.

A  life-long Catholic, Alina was always an active, engaged parishioner, often serving in the Choir and Rosarian Society. She was known for her beautiful soprano voice and often sung the Ave Maria at family weddings. Devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Krolowa Anielska, Alina recited the rosary daily and along with her sisters was active in the Rosarian Society.  Rain, sleet or snow, she often took flowers to the church to place before the Blessed Virgin Mary. Alina was a parishioner at St. Stephen's Church, St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, Christ the King, and recently St. Anne’s.

Alina is predeceased by her husband, Zenon Kowalski; parents, John Goraj and Aniela Szoda; siblings Marcelina, Danielle, Janina, Teresa, and John

Alina is survived by her daughters, Sophia Kowalski and Barbara Kowalski Turnage and her husband, Jeffrey Turnage; her grandchildren Rachael Hope Pyram, Jonathan Zenon Pyram, Nicolas Joseph Turnage and Emily Katherine Turnage. In addition, she is survived by her brother,  Joseph Goraj and family; and sisters in-laws - Irene Kowalski Rypinski, Susan Kowalski and Marion Brzozowski Kowalski.

Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 145 St. Catherine Blvd., Toms River is in charge of arrangements 

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be Tuesday February 24, 2026 at 12:30 pm at Our Lady of Czestochowa Cemetery Chapel. 

Burial to follow after the Mass at Our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown, PA.

Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting: www.ryanfuneralhome.com

The family asks that you continue the legacy of Alina by sharing her patience, consideration and kindness. Should you like to honor her legacy – share her most beloved tradition -snowflakes of love.

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