Janina Kielmuc

Janina (Gaborska) Kielmuc, age 75, of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026. Born on May 22, 1950, in Łucza, Poland, she was the youngest of seven children of the late Józefa Janusz and Stanisław Gaborski. Raised on a farm, she carried with her throughout life the strength, resilience, and tireless work ethic that began in her childhood. In her early twenties, she emigrated to the United States and settled in New York City. Her immigration was made possible through the sponsorship of her beloved sister Kazimiera and brother-in-law Roman Dyjak, and she remained forever grateful, quickly falling in love with her adopted country. Even as she built a new life, her heart stayed deeply connected to her family in Poland, and she generously sent money home whenever she could. While living in New York, she married Charlie Kielmuc, and together they moved to California. Her greatest dream was to become a mother, and that dream was fulfilled when she later met Gerald Curtis and welcomed her beloved daughter, Barbara Curtis. Wherever she lived, her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and belonging. It was always full of love and memories—filled with the aromas of her cooking and baking, the beauty of her thriving garden, and the sound of conversation around her table. She expressed her love through caring for others, whether sewing Barbara’s clothes from scratch, preparing meals for family and friends, or fixing nearly anything that needed repair with her remarkable mechanical skill and determination. She was known for her fiery spirit, her quick wit, and her extraordinary sense of humor. She had a gift for finding light even in difficult moments and often reminded those around her that she did not look backward—she chose to live each day looking forward with gratitude, optimism, and hope. Her dedication to hard work never wavered. She spent many years in manufacturing and later devoted herself to caring for individuals with disabilities, frequently balancing two jobs while still nurturing the deep relationships that meant so much to her. In 2003, she and Barbara made their home in Pennsylvania, where she lived the rest of her life in Upper Darby. She deeply loved Barbara’s partner, Ben, and embraced him and his family as her own, believing that family is defined not only by blood but by love. She is survived by her loving daughter, Barbara Curtis; her beloved son-in-law, Ben; and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. Her Funeral Mass will be held at Our Mother of Good Counsel Church, 31 Pennswood Rd., Bryn Mawr, PA on Saturday March 14th at 10 AM, where the family will receive guests after 9 AM. A luncheon for close family and friends will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor her memory by sharing a meal or drink with someone you love (preferably a screwdriver), telling a good joke, or performing an act of kindness. Na zawsze pozostaniesz w naszych sercach.

Tributes

Janina Kielmuc

May 22, 1950 - February 23, 2026