Jozefa (Stelmach) Mastalerz, 94, of Pawtucket was called to her eternal home with the Lord on Friday, June 12, 2026. She was the wife of the late Wladyslaw J. Mastalerz.

Born in Grabostów, Poland, she was the daughter of the late Piotr and Antonina (Frech) Stelmach. During her teenage years, she resided in Pabianice, Poland and on March 6, 1954, she married Wladyslaw in Szprotawa, Poland.

Before immigrating to the United States, Jozefa was a chef's assistant in Poland, where she shared her talent and love of cooking with many people. Her family especially treasured the delicious meals she prepared, a gift that remained one of the ways she expressed her love throughout her life.

In 1963, with courage, determination, and hope for a brighter future, Jozefa and Wladyslaw embarked on the ship Batory with their first three children. Upon arriving in America, they first settled in Cumberland, before making their home in Pawtucket, where they became lifelong residents and built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work.

After settling in Rhode Island, Jozefa began her career at Leedon Webbing Company and later worked at Murdock Webbing Company, where she remained until her retirement. A hardworking and devoted woman, she worked tirelessly to help provide for her family, always putting the needs of her loved ones before her own.

A faithful parishioner of St. Joseph's Church in Central Falls, Jozefa was an active member of the Rosary Prayer Group and found great comfort and strength in her faith. She was also a remarkable cook whose home was always filled with the aromas of traditional Polish cuisine. Family members eagerly gathered around her table to enjoy her beloved homemade meals. No one could make pierogi, gołąbki or naleśniki quite like Jozefa, and her recipes and traditions will be cherished for generations to come.

Together, Jozefa and Wladyslaw, were blessed with five children: Krystyna, Renata, Andrew, Mark, and Jennifer. Her children were the center of her world, and she dedicated her life to nurturing, supporting, and loving them unconditionally. Her love extended equally to her grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply and treated as her own children. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her family and watching it grow through the generations.

Jozefa enjoyed traveling and exploring new places throughout her life. One of her most treasured journeys was returning to her homeland of Poland in 1999, where she was reunited with beloved family members and friends.

Jozefa had a special love for animals and showed kindness and compassion to every creature she encountered. She was predeceased by her beloved dog, Princess, whose companionship brought her immense joy and brightened her days. She leaves behind her cherished dog, Harley, who faithfully remained by her side and was a constant source of comfort, love, and companionship.

She leaves her children, Krystyna (Bernard) Holz of North Providence, Renata (Robert) Graham of Cranston, Andrew (Shirley Picard) Mastalerz of Woonsocket, Mark and Jennifer Mastalerz, both of Pawtucket; her grandchildren Danielle, Alexandria, Charles, Caitlin, Cassandra, Nathan and Nikolas. Her; her great-grandchildren Caleb, Ethan, Mason, Leah, Aubrey, Hayden and Hunter.

She is also predeceased by her sisters Genowefa, Stanisława, Maria, her brothers, Edward and Jozef and her granddaughter, Tara.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Jozefa's Life Celebration. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road (Route 122), Cumberland. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 p.m. at St. Joseph's Church, Central Falls, with burial afterward at Gates of Heaven Cemetery in East Providence.