Josephine Mary Kulpa

Josephine M. Kulpa , 93, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2018 after a brief illness.  Born in Taunton, Josephine was the daughter of Szymon and Karolina (Pluta) Kulpa.  She was educated in the Taunton Public schools, and was a 1943 graduate of Taunton High School. For many years, she was employed as a stitcher at the John E. Lucy Shoe Company in Bridgewater.

Known by many as “Jo”, she was a lifelong communicant of Holy Rosary parish as well as a member of the church’s Holy Rosary Sodality.  She was a 2006 recipient of the Marian Medal.  For 25 years, Jo took much enjoyment from tirelessly volunteering at the Holy Rosary Church Polish Picnics.  It was here that she became known for her homemade cheesecake.  Proud of her Polish heritage, she was a member of the Polish American Citizens Club and the Polish National Alliance.  Jo loved to participate in many Polish festivals within southeastern New England.  She best enjoyed life in the company of her family and friends, and always looked forward to musical events at the area’s performance venues.  During warm weather you would find her tending to her flower garden.  She grew the most beautiful gladiolas.

Josephine was the sister of the late Mary Zelisko, John J. Kulpa, Balbina Kulpa, Florence Klebash, Anna Kulpa, Anthony Kulpa, and Alice Machnik.  She is survived by 4 nieces, Barbara Machnik, Joanne Machnik, Barbara Proulx, and Carolyn Arieta.  She was also aunt to the late Richard J. Kulpa and Irene Clifford.  She was a great-aunt to Kevin Hamblett and the late Donna A. Medeiros.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, from 9:00 am to 10:15 am, in the Sowiecki Funeral Home, 69 West Britannia Street, Taunton (Handicap access is located on the left side of the funeral home) A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am, at the Holy Rosary Church, Bay Street, Taunton. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Josephine’s memory may be made to the Taunton Animal Shelter, 821 West Water Street, Taunton, MA, 02780; or to the Taunton Area Community Table at: TaCT, PO Box 2225, Taunton, MA 02780.
For directions and online condolences, please visit: www.sowieckifh.com