Alice Krzynowek Magdalenski, 95, of Housatonic died Thursday, July 14, 2016, at Fairview Commons in Great Barrington. Born in Housatonic on October 20, 1920, daughter of Paul and Alice (Bąldyga) Krzynowek, Alice attended Housatonic Grammar School and graduated from Searles High School in 1938. In her senior year she was captain of the Girls’ basketball team and also played basketball with the Polish Falcons girls team that traveled around western Massachusetts and New York State.
Following her graduation from Searles, Alice worked in the homes of many summer residents of the Berkshires, including the Johansen’s in Stockbridge. There, Mrs. Johansen, working under the name Jean McLean, painted Alice’s portrait, which was later featured in an American Artist article about the painter.
In September of 1940 Alice attended Berkshire Business School in Pittsfield and then went to work at Home Gas in Housatonic as secretary to the president. During World War II she obtained a civil service position at Westover Field in Chicopee Falls with the Signal Corps Unit and resided in the Springfield area. After the war ended she moved back to Housatonic and a position at the Berkshire Courier newspaper.
On May 15, 1954 she married Bruno E. Magdalenski. After a hiatus spent raising her children, Alice returned to work as a teller at the Great Barrington Savings. After several promotions she retired as vice president in the mortgage department — the first female to hold a senior position in the 100-year history of the bank.
In 1987, Alice and her husband retired to New Seabury on Cape Cod, and enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Europe. After Bruno died on Aug 8, 1989 Alice began attending Cape Cod Community College and spent several summer semesters at Smith College in Northampton in the “Lifelong Learning Program.” At the age of 70 she had a wonderful opportunity to travel with members of her family to New Zealand, touring both the North and South Islands. In 2002, Alice moved back to Housatonic to be near her children and enjoyed her time back in the Berkshires.
She is survived by her son David and daughter-in-law Kimberly Magdalenski of East Sandwich, Mass.; her daughter Ann and son-in-law Joseph L. Grochmal of Housatonic; three grandchildren, Alexa Magdalenski and Olivia and Joseph A. Grochmal, and several nieces and nephews. Alice was predeceased by sisters, Sophie Almori and Sadie Kirkbride, and her brothers, Steven and Stanley Krzynowek.
In keeping with Alice’s wishes there are no calling hours. Burial will be at the National Cemetery in Bourne, Mass., at the family’s convenience. Expressions of sympathy in Alice’s memory may be made to Hospice Care of the Berkshires in care of the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME, 33 South St., Great Barrington MA 01230. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.
