Paula (Geryl) Salcevics

Paula (Geryl) Salcevics, 95, of Ludlow, passed away Monday, November 28, 2022 at Mary’s Meadow in Holyoke. She was a faithful member of Immaculate Conception Church in Indian Orchard.

Paula was born in 1927 on her family’s farm in a small village in the Ukraine. During WWII at the age of thirteen she was forced to leave her home and taken to do manual labor at a farm in Germany. In 1948 as a young woman she met her husband, Ignatijs, while living in a displaced persons camp. In 1950, along with their one year old child, they immigrated to the United States.

Once Paula was residing in the United States through her courage, perseverance and hard work she and her family attained their American dream which was culminated by her becoming a citizen of the United States in 1998, nearly 50 years after leaving Europe.

Paula held her family close to her heart and her four grandchildren were the joys of her life. She was known as Babci by her family and friends and was deeply admired for her spunk, strong opinions and commitment to those she loved. 

Paula’s family will be forever grateful for the tender care she received during her stay at Mary’s Meadow at Providence Place, particularly the staff at The Garden unit.

The wife of the late Ignatijs Salcevics who died in 1992, Paula is survived by her two daughters, Irena Russell and her partner Frank Gorham of Charlton, and Mary Cantler and her husband Stoney of Montgomery, as well her four grandchildren, Ashleigh Russell, Lindsey Russell, Sarah Cantler and her husband Mike Gundlach, and Cate Cantler and her husband, Aiden Reis-Cantler.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 9, 2022 at 11:30am at Immaculate Conception Church, 25 Parker St., Indian Orchard followed by burial at Hillcrest Park Cemetery. Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services is entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:  Mary’s Meadow at Providence Place, 12 Gamelin Street, Holyoke, MA 01040, earmarked for The Garden Unit, or to: Memorials Processing, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959. To offer online condolences, please visit www.nowakfuneral.com.

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