Thelma H. Zaprowski

Thelma Helen (Kalamanka) Zaprowski, 98, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at the Absolut Care of Salamanca.

She was born on December 14, 1918 in Salamanca, NY. She was the daughter of the late Veronica (Pincoski) and Michael Kalamanka and lived in Salamanca her whole life. She was married to the late Carl “Cubby” Zaprowski for 62 years.

She graduated from Salamanca High School and her first job was working at Loblaw’s as a cashier. She then worked as a bookkeeper at the Plymouth Automobile Dealership owned by Nadulski brothers. She and her husband owned and operated The Country Garden Restaurant and Motel and she managed it while he served in the Korean War. They brought the first pizza oven to Cattaraugus County. Thelma told the story of going to New York City and waiting locked in the car while Cubby went and picked up the oven. She said it was a scary experience. After they sold it, she and her brother, John Kalamanka, owned and operated the Economy Drug Store. Her next endeavor was to manage the Hampshire Mills in Salamanca for her son until she retired.

Thelma enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, and spending time with her family. She especially enjoyed playing cards, knitting her famous dishcloths, and in her younger years, she loved to bowl. Her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews all felt she was a wonderful listener and made each of them feel special.

Her grandchildren describe her as loving, kind, fun, strong, happy, and angelic. What more could one ask of their life?

She was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish, the Our Lady of Peace Altar and Rosary Society, and the former Zonta Club.

Surviving are her son, Michael (Susan Wilson) Zaprowski, and her four grandchildren, Dr. Brent (Amy Kelsey) Zaprowski of Salisbury, MD, Jenna Zaprowski of Salamanca, Amity (Robert) Grant of Amherst, and Adam Zaprowski of Salamanca. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren, Caylin and Madelyn Zaprowski of Salisbury, MD, Marcus Zaprowski of Salamanca, Sage Grant of Amherst, and Shalya and Zander Zaprowski of Cuba, NY. She is survived by her sisters, Margaret “Peg” Bosseler of Lockport, NY and Louise “Tiny” Bachar of Butler, PA.

Besides her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her brother, John Kalamanka.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY on Monday, September 25, 2017 from 4 – 7 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Our Lady of Peace Parish on Tuesday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Peter Napierkowski, pastor, as celebrant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Salamanca Public Library, 155 Wildwood Ave., or the Salamanca Historical Museum, 125 Main St., Salamanca, NY 14779.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.