Romualda Stefania Leligdowicz

Romualda “Roma” Stefania Leligdowicz

September 21, 1928 – April  4, 2024

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our mother,  Romualda S. Leligdowicz, a devoted wife and beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother who passed away peacefully at her home on April 4, 2024, at the age of 95.

Born in Kolomyja, Poland, daughter of Michal and Karolina Maculak on September 21, 1928.  Married Boleslaw “Bud” J. Leligdowicz on December 26, 1949.  They immigrated to the United States in August of 1960 and spent 33 years together until his death in 1982. 

Roma celebrated her life to the fullest despite the challenges she faced growing up in Poland during World War II. She endured the hardships of the war, including disruptions to her education, as she only completed the 8th grade due to the conflict. During those difficult times, Roma and her family courageously navigated through perilous situations, including daily bombings. Her family was made to dig ditches and sew uniforms for the German soldiers. She displayed remarkable courage, often finding ways to help others, such as baking and sharing fresh homemade bread with people in concentration camps, knowing that she could be shot doing so. Despite the dangers surrounding them, her family remained steadfast, ready to take measures to protect themselves in the face of adversity.

Roma was the center of the family.  Family meant everything to her.  She always brought the family together and blessed many with her love and took care of everyone around her and putting others first.  She loved spending time with her group of treasured Polish friends while raising her family of seven devoted children.

Throughout her life, mom committed herself heartfully to her large family and friends.   She supported our lives along with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Enjoyed taking grandchildren to the park, swimming and reading books to them in English or in Polish or a mix of both.  The grandchildren learned a few Polish words along the way.

Roma was a wonderful Polish homemaker, cooking/baking fabulous and delicious Polish dinners.  She loved preparing holiday meals and in keeping with Polish traditions.  She always had a wonderful Polish dinner prepared on Sunday afternoon after church for family, friends, neighbors and church members.  She hosted and cherished many family gatherings.  Her door was always open to family, friends, neighbors and always greeted everyone with a toast to a good health “Na Zdrowie”!

Over the years,  she also enjoyed gardening, canning and making wine from our Cherry Trees.  Roma with her husband made homemade choke cherry wine and earning a purple ribbon for 1st place at the Montana’s Fair. 

She worked full-time at Montana Power Company for about 15 years and retired at the age of 70.  She took pride in her work.  Always working hard and many times getting around by walking to buy groceries, shopping, etc. (Did not ever drive.)

Her other passion was dancing at all of the special occasions and of course, Polka dancing. 

She loved to watch the Price is Right Show and several soap operas.  Loved to work on puzzles and always asking everyone to join her in at least placing a piece or two together.  She was determined to complete it.

She was a strong, devoted member of both, Little Flower Church and St. Pius X Parish.  She had a Polish bible that she would read and bring to church with her every Sunday mass along with her Rosary. 

Roma touched many lives bringing lots of love, laughter and joy to everyone; always wished you the best and she had a heart of gold!  She was always full of warmth, kindness and in good spirits.  She will be dearly missed.

She is survived by three sons and four daughters:  Marian (Linda) Leligdowicz of Billings;  John (Judy) Leligdowicz of Billings;  Jadzia Stokke of Chanhassen, MN;  Irene (Mark) Diede of Gillette, WY; Krysia Leligdowicz of Billings; Basia (Dave) Neujahr of Avon Lake, OH; and Joe (Carla) Leligdowicz of Custer, MT;  22 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Boleslaw; her parents; three sisters, Janina, Jadwiga (twin sister), Bronislawa; granddaughter Joy Leligdowicz; grandson Loren Diede and son-in-law Lynn Stokke.

The family wishes to extend “many thanks” to mom’s caregivers:  Corky;  Cindy from Visiting Angles; volunteers of Meals-on-Wheels; and recently Stillwater Hospice for their support and kindness.

Vigil Services will be at Michelotti -Sawyers Mortuary at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024.  A Funeral mass to honor mom’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024, at St. Pius X Parish with a luncheon.  Interment will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Adult Resource Alliance of Yellowstone County.  To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.michelottisawyers.com.

As we say “do widzenia” (goodbye) to our mother, we find comfort in the cherished memories we share with her.  As she joins her beloved husband, may she rest in eternal peace watching over us, and knowing that her love will live forever in all of our hearts. 

Niech cie Bog blogoslawi!  (God Bless You)

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