Gynell Kujawa

Gynell D. Kujawa, 79, died Friday, Nov. 11, at her home in Libby.

She was born to Emil Jacobs and Viola Switzer Jacobs on Sept. 17, 1926 at Salem, Ore. Gynell graduated from high school in Los Angeles, Calif.

She married Loren Kujawa on Oct. 28, 1950; this year they celebrated 55 wonderful years together.

A longtime resident of the Kootenai Valley, Gynell had worked at J.C. Penney's and VanDeKamps for a period of time but is best remembered for her years of community service work with the Libby Community Center, St. John's Lutheran Hospital Auxilliary and the Libby Care Center.

Gynell had numerous interests including raising African Violets, bird watching — especially at her back yard feeders including "Ike" the raven who would visit often and the loons at their home on Bootjack Lake. Her greatest joy of life was sharing the growing up years and lives of her children and grandchildren; they will remember her especially for her reassuring words: "I will love you no matter what" which she lived every day of her life.

Survivors include her husband Loren of Libby; a daughter, Dr. Mary Kujawa of Princeton, N.J.; sons Loren J. Kujawa and wife Barbara of Franklin, Maine; Charles Kujawa of Spokane, Wash.; John Kujawa and wife DeeDee of Libby; Frank Kujawa of Libby; and Carl Kujawa and wife Liza of Missoula; 15 grandchildren, Amanda, Alyson, David, Matthew, Nathan, Christina, KaSandra, Jacob, Stephen, Shelby, Cameron, Katharine, Calvin, Chloe and Lauren; and great-grandchild Olivia. She was preceded in death by a son, Joseph "Joey" Kujawa, in 1960 and mother Viola in 1960.

Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Arrangements are under the care of Nelson & Vial Funeral Home.