Maura Theresa Brennan Piekalkiewicz

Maura Theresa Brennan Piekalkiewicz beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend died suddenly Monday night January 24, 2011 in her home in Lawrence, Kansas. She was 77. Maura was born in Dublin, Ireland on October 8, 1933. She completed nursing school in London. In London she married Jaroslaw “Jarek” Piekalkiewicz on July 13, 1957. They immigrated together to the United States in 1959. They moved to Lawrence, Kansas in 1963, where Jarek received an appointment as Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas. Maura become active in Women’s Transitional Care Services as one of its founding members and with the University of Kansas Chapter Of Amnesty International. She was a frequent patron of the Lawrence Public Library — no one had a greater love for books. Maura was committed to the cause of world peace and was a frequent attendee throughout her life at pro-peace rallies in Lawrence. She had many friends and was warm and wonderful person full of life and full of opinions. Maura is survived by her husband, Jarek Piekalkiewicz of Lawrence, Kansas, her son Andrew Piekalkiewicz of Houston, Texas and her daughter Ellen Piekalkiewicz and son-in-law Mariusz Dobek of Tallahassee, Florida. She is also survived by six grandchildren whom she loved very much and who will miss her: Andrew, Jacob, Ethan and Nicole Piekalkiewicz of Lawrence, Kansas; and Natalie and Alexander Dobek of Tallahassee, Florida. Maura is also survived by Kim Emmons and Joy Allen. Maura also survived by many friends and relatives in Ireland and Poland. Maura is preceded in death by her grandson, Luke Dobek. Celebration of life memorial services will be 1:00 PM Saturday, January 29 at the Lawrence Chapel Oaks Funeral home. In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions can be made to the Lawrence Public Library Foundation, and sent in care of the Lawrence Chapel Oaks Funeral Services 3821 W. 6th St. Lawrence, KS 66049. Online condolences may be made at www.barnettchapeloaks.com.