Janina Sobolewska was born in Poznań, Poland.

Janina came to the United States to find a better life for herself and her son Jan. She settled on Staten Island and has lived in the same house on Stuyvesant Place for the past 23 years.

Jan married his wife Yolanda and lives near his mother on Staten Island. Her other son Wojciech is married to Margaret and the family presently lives in Poland. Janina has 4 wonderful and loving grandchildren.

Mrs. Sobolewska is an active member of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church on York Avenue. For many years, Janina has cared for the church, its properties and its priests, the Rev. Joseph Tokarcheck and the Rev. Marek Suchocki. Janina is presently responsible for the church linens and decorations and for insuring that the church hall is clean and ready for any scheduled parish and non-parish event.

In January 2006, she received a plaque for being the Outstanding Volunteer Award recipient of the parish in grateful appreciation for her dedication and support of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church from the Rev. Marek Suchocki. In 2008, on the 10th anniversary of St. Stan’s gaining back the status of an Independent Parish she received a plaque for her personal commitment, valued participation and guidance which earned her the gratitude of the church and its parishioners. On January 10, 2008, Janina was presented with an acknowledgement from Ewa Wisniewski, Director of the John Paul II Polish School, for helping. This event was featured in a special Polish language newspaper article describing the event.

Janina is also a member of the Parish Holy Rosary Society and St. Stan’s Social Club.

More recently, Janina has been an active member of the Staten Island Pulaski Day Parade Committee. She has served on the Board of Directors of this organization for many years. Janina is best known for her caring and outgoing personality. She has also been best known for being the official club “Hostess”, opening the meeting facility and serving refreshments at every meeting.

It is with great pleasure that the Staten Island Pulaski Day Parade Committee honors and presents Janina Sobolewska as its 2010 Marshal.