Wanda (Gurski) Tutaj

Wanda Tutaj, 95, of Forestdale passed away on August 5th after a brief illness. She was the wife of the late Michael Tutaj. They were married for 59 years.

A life-long resident of Forestdale, she was the daughter of Andrew Gurski and Josephine (Walkow) Gurski.

Wanda was known as “Ciocia” (aunt in Polish) to much of her family, extending beyond family at times because of her welcoming nature. She embraced her Polish heritage making golumpkis, Polish cheesecake, and her famous jam filled “Ciocia Cookies” for family gatherings.

Her working years began at the Forestdale Mill and later retired from A.T. Cross after 20 years. Wanda grew up in the village next to Slatersville and was interviewed in 2020 for the documentary, Slatersville: America’s First Mill Village. She was a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church for most of life.

Wanda leaves behind her daughter Lisa Harpin and her husband Michael of North Smithfield and many nieces and nephews whose lives she touched in special ways. Nieces Judith Donovan of Middleton, Andrea Cartwright of Lincoln, and Donna Wheaton of Forestdale and nephew, the late Allan Wronoski of Smithfield, always had a special place in her heart.

She was predeceased by her brother Michael Gurski, and her sisters Mary Wronoski and Clara DeFusco.

Wanda recently became a resident of the Villa at St. Antoine in North Smithfield. Her family is grateful to the administration and staff for providing her with five amazing months there.  

A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, August 23rd at 11:00 AM at St. John The Evangelist Church, 63 Church Street, Slatersville, RI. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Calling hours are respectfully omitted. 

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