[Kajunski Photo]

CHARLOTTE J. KAJUNSKI

by Ron Wysocki

In all my life, I never could say "no" to my Aunt Charlotte. When, as publicity chairman for the Federation, she would telephone me to have a news item in the Boston papers, complete with a list of fifteen or twenty Polish-American names with many consonants and vowels, they appeared in print. When she needed a judge for the essay contest and said there were just a few entries, I read three hundred and twenty-seven essays. When she wanted my daughter, Nancy, to appear as a debutante, I acquiesced.

Yet, hers is a giving nature. Throughout her life, she has cared for others; their welfare, their accommodation, their feelings, their happiness. Whenever someone needed a helping hand or assistance, my Aunt Charlotte was among the first to step forward.

During her life, she cared for her parents, her own family, me and mine. Her kindness and courtesies to everyone and all who came in contact with her in all aspects of life are beyond count and need of description.

I witnessed many of them from boyhood to manhood. To me, she is perfect.

Mrs. Charlotte J. Kajunski, wife of Francis W. Kajunski, has been president of the Massachusetts Federation of Polish Women's Clubs. She has given of her time and energy unstintingly for the betterment of the Federation. Long active in the interests of Polonia, she has served as vice-president of the Federation and in many other capacities, including chairperson of the fashion shows, a member of the Executive Committees of the Presentation Balls, a member of the Scholarship Committee, and chaired the Essay Contest, and Publicity Committees. Presently, she serves as auditor of the Polish American Women Citizens Club of Greater Boston, and was president and treasurer of the Boston Oblate Mission Club, and president of the Polish American Women's Citizens Club of Greater Boston.

Currently, she and her husband reside in Quincy. They have two sons, Gerard F. X. and Vincent M., both holders of Bachelor of Science degrees in Engineering from Northeastern University. Gerard also has a Masters degree in Business Administration from Boston College. Gerard, an engineering consultant to a banking consortium in New York, is married to the former Billie Ward who works for Time-Life, Inc. They have one daughter, Elizabeth.

Vincent is married to the former Ruth Cannon. They reside in Milton, and have five children: Paul, Joseph, Daniel, Ann Marie and Christine. Vincent is an F.C.C. engineer in charge of covering the New England area.

Beyond her role as homemaker and club-woman, Kazia maintained a strong sense of community activity. After attendance at St. Hedwig's Polish Parochial School in Cambridge, Cambridge High and Latin School, and Nye's Business School, she continued her studies in courses on human rights and business administration.

Following a pre-marriage stint as an assistant underwriter in the insurance field, Kazia put to use her knowledge and feeling in the field of human rights, concerning herself with the problems of tenants and leased housing and serving as secretary with the Boston Housing Authority.

Since her retirement, she and her husband have taken advantage of the opportunity to travel, including a trip to Poland.

Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, let me join you in a toast to a lovely lady -- my Aunt Charlotte -- Woman of the Year . . . 1977.

Mindful of her many accomplishments and leadership, and acknowledging her efforts made on behalf of our organization, we proudly name Charlotte Kajunski, as the 1977 Massachusetts Federation of Polish Women's Clubs "WOMAN OF THE YEAR."

Source: Program of the Kosciuszko Foundation Presentation Ball in Boston as Organized by the Massachusetts Federation of Polish Women's Clubs (1977).