Krystyna Rostek

Krystyna Rostek (Slowikowska) was born on December 12, 1932, in Suwalki, Poland. She died at her daughters’ home on September 25, 2025 in Parkton, Maryland surrounded by her family.

Krystyna grew up in Suwalki, Poland with her mother Bronislawa Taraszkiewicz (Slowikowska), father Witold Slowikowski and brother Witold Slowikowski, Jr.World War II disrupted Krystyna’s childhood. Her father was captured by Nazi German Soldiers and was sent to a labor farm / camp. Her mother was forced to work cooking for the German Army Soldiers. They in turn allowed her to take some food home for her two young children. Seven-year-old Krystyna was forced to become the caregiver and nurturer to her one-year-old brother. Eventually, when Poland was liberated and the German Army was defeated, her father was allowed to return home. Life after the war was equally difficult for her family as it took so much for them to heal from their experiences and to readjust to the new realities. She completed “Handlowka”, a trade school focusing on business. Initially she undertook various job positions in a few businesses, but shortly after that, was hired for a very long-lasting position of a notary clerk in the State Notary Office in Suwalki (associated with justice department). Krystyna was a member of the folk group “Suwalszczyzna” that was famous for giving excellent performances of folk songs and dances. The group was well known and traveled  all over Poland. Her husband, Stefan, always teased her saying that she was the most beautiful woman out of all of members and therefore was always placed in the front row of the group. Krystyna Slowikowska married Stefan Rostek on April 19, 1954. They had been married for 70 years!!! She was a kind-hearted woman and matriarch of her family. She emulated what it meant to be a devoted mother and a loyal wife.

In 1991, Krystyna and Stefan moved to the United States to be closer to their daughters. Krystyna was a house wife and babysitter to her grandchildren. She had excellent listening skills, a gentle demeanor, and common sense which resulted in immense trust by all family members. She never forgot birthdays, special occasions and was always sure to make everyone feel special. All family members referred to her as their special pearl. They called her "Perelka". She loved everyone and always prayed for everyone, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. In her retirement, she enjoyed spending quality time with her family, gardening, traveling, watching news/political debates/good movies, reading magazines, solving crossword puzzles, cooking, singing, and thrifting. She taught the younger generation how to cook, speak polish, and care for each other. Her priority was to pass the essential values onto them. But most importantly, she taught them the importance of praying and devotion to faith. Krystyna was very proud to become a United States Citizen in 2008.

Krystyna is survived by her daughters Eve Rostek and her ex-husband Richard Rostek, Iwona Rostek-Zarska and her husband Walenty Zarski. Her grandchildren Andrew Rostek and his ex-wife Heather Rao, Pamella Rostek-Kuwazaki and her husband Harold Kuwazaki Jr., Anita Zarska and her husband Adrian Dawson, Gregory Zarski and his wife Lilja Magnusdottir. Her great grandchildren Alexis Rostek, Monika Rostek-Kuwazaki, Andrew Rostek Jr., Aiden Rostek, Austen Rostek, Magnus Zarski and Anita Zarski. Her niece Marzena Zukowska, and great niece Kinga Zukowska. 

Visiting hours at Kaczorowski Funeral Home, 1201 Dundalk Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21222 Friday, October 3, 2025, from 4 until 8 P.M. Christian Wake Service on Friday at 6 P.M. Funeral Mass in Holy Rosary Church 408 S Chester St, Baltimore, MD 21231 on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 10 A.M. Interment in Holy Rosary Cemetery. Wake to follow at Jimmy's Famous Seafood  6526 Holabird Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224 until 3 P.M.