[Plocha Photo]

Plocha, Alfreda
(Sept. 29, 1921 - Oct. 7, 2010)
Polish community leader

Heartfelt Condolences

Our hearts are saddened indeed by the loss of a unique and dynamic lady - Society 2009's Alfreda Plocha, who passed away at home on October 7 surrounded by the love of her family.

Everyone who knew Alfreda Plocha, would agree that she was robust of energy, and filled with an enormous amount of vim, vigor and stamina. She loved her family dearly and was also profoundly passionate about the Union of Polish Women in America, where she served as Recording Secretary of Group 9 (1945-69), Financial Secretary of Group 9/Society 2009 (1953-2009), Counselor of UPWA Group 9 dance class, a Director of the UPWA Executive Board (1965-69), Third Vice-President (1969-73), Second Vice President (1973-77), President General (1977-93) and Honorary President of the UPWA in 1993. Her aim was to increase membership. She earnestly worked to the best of her ability, and in doing so she placed first in numerous membership contests. Alfreda Plocha had the distinct privilege of selecting a Quadrennial Convention Queen to represent Group 9 at the 10th through the 17th UPWA Conventions and among them were her three daughters, Kamila Gabbard, Maria Galas and Paula Straka. The pride and joy she derived from being a top membership producer for years and years was immeasurable. Even after the merger of UPWA with PRCUA, Mrs. Plocha continued her zealous efforts, and strived to procure new members and worked for the good of PRCUA.

Besides her ardent UPWA devotion, Alfreda Plocha was an active parishioner of St. Stanislaus Church and was well known in Polonia. In addition, she was President of the Philadelphia, PA and NJ Fraternals. She was a National Director of the Polish American Congress (PAC) Eastern PA District; and she served as Chair for the Polish Fund on the PAC's Committee for the Restoration of the Statue of Liberty. Former Mayor of Philadelphia W. Wilson Goode appointed her to the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations where she served as secretary. In 1976 she was honored with the Achievement Award for service activities to Polish American youth. In 1981 John Cardinal Krol appointed Alfreda Plocha to work with Deborah Heart Hospital in Browns Mills, NJ, to bring children from Poland for heart operations that were not possible in Poland, thus saving hundreds of young lives. In 1982 the Polish Army Veterans Post #12 made Mrs. Plocha an honorary member and she was honored by the Chapel of the Four Chaplains in Philadelphia for her outstanding humanitarian achievements. In 1984 the Italian Press Knights Legion enrolled Mrs. Plocha in the Honoris Causa. In 1985 she became an honorary member of the Polish Air Force Veterans Association and was the Grand Marshall of the Philadelphia Pulaski Day Parade. Above all, she valued the Papal Honor, Pro-Ecclesia Et Pontifice, bestowed upon her by her fellow countryman, Pope John Paul II, whom she had met on numerous occasions, before and after his ascent to the Papacy. Alfreda's generosity was portrayed in many instances. She hosted a mother and son from Poland and was instrumental in seeking treatment for the young boy at Shriners Hospital. She also was a big benefactor for the Institute for the Blind in Laski, Poland.

Alfreda Plocha is the beloved wife of the late Zygmunt, the devoted mother of three daughters, Kamila (Gene) Gabbard, Maria (Wojtek) Galas and Paula Straka and two sons, Edward (Helen) and Leon (Joanne). She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, Ania, Alicia, Aleksandra, Lydia, Roman, Jasiu, Julia and Maximilian. All the Plocha Family are members of Soc. 2009 (UPWA Grp. 9).

A viewing was held on October 10th. Mass of Christian Burial was concelebrated at St. Stanislaus Church in Philadelphia by Father James Oliver, pastor, and ten other priests. Before Mass, the famed UPWA ritual was led by Father Thomas Kalita and a beautiful and meaningful eulogy was delivered by Edward Plocha.

"Farewell Alfreda Plocha, rest in peace. We solemnly vow to remember you always in our prayers". Sympathy is many hearts sharing one sorrow. Sincere condolences to the Plocha Family on their great loss.

Elaine Burkhardt, Philadelphia Office PRCUA

Source: Obituary Article, Narod Polski, November 1, 2010

Additional Information - Alfreda Plocha [Arrow Picture]