In loving memory of
Halina Kasztelan
February 8, 1939 - August 31, 2019
Halina Kasztelan, age 80, passed away peacefully at her home August 2019. She was born in February 1939 in Mielzyn, Poland to Bronislaw and Leokadia Mecler. She was the third child, born to a large family of 6 brothers and 3 sisters of whom she helped raised and was very close with. She had one daughter, Barbara Zembron, whom she dedicated her life to and they resided together.
Halina moved to America in her early 40's to start a new life with daughter and first granddaughter. She was very proud that she arrived with just a suitcase and a few Zloty (Polish currency) and within a few years was able to purchase a home in Pembroke Pines where she resided with her daughter and son-in-law until her passing.
Halina had a very strong work ethic and always said that if you're going to do something you might as well do it right and make it look pretty. In her earlier life, she worked as an Accountant for a Polish Army restaurant where soldiers would spend their leisure time. In her later life, she worked for the Broward County school system as a custodian. She retired at age 75. In the past two years, she volunteered at her church as the Decorating Committee Chair. In her leisure time, she spent her days gardening, chasing iguanas from her garden, decorating her home for every holiday, baking Polish desserts, cooking, unscrambling sudoku puzzles, watching Wheel of Fortune, enjoying long phone calls with her friends and family, and taking care of her family.
Halina was a dedicated mother and grandmother. She treasured her family near and far and embraced every moment with them. She was her oldest granddaughter's best friend as they spoke daily sharing stories from her childhood to adulthood, giving advice and sharing cooking recipes. She made a big influence in her youngest granddaughter's life and helped make her the woman she is today. She made it a point to be kind to everyone she met and made friends easily with cashiers, garbage collectors and anyone that she came in contact with. Her wonderful sense of humor, smile, always singing, and saying "Merry Christmas" made everyone fall in love with her.
Halina is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Andy Zembron; two granddaughters and their spouse/fiancé: Roxy and Ben Harter of Charlotte, Jackie Zembron and Joe Plourde of Tampa; 4 brothers: Kazimierz, Stanislaw, Stefan, and Bronislaw Mecler of Poland; 3 sisters: Czeslawa Jaloszynska, Maria Glowacka, and Urzula Pietrzak of Poland and their spouses, children and great grandchildren.
Halina was predeceased by her parents Bronislaw and Leokadia Mecler, and 2 brothers Josef and Marian Mecler of Poland.
To say that she will be missed is an understatement, she was the glue that held our family together. We will live on her memory as she lived her life with laughing, dancing, singing and cherishing her family.
"Wiem, co to znaczy wyladowac w obcym kraju tylko z jedna walizka."
"I know what it means to land in a foreign country with only one suitcase."
Please join us celebrating her life on Sunday, September 29, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Mass then reception to follow at St. Joseph's Parish, 5401 SW 64th Davie, FL 33314. Flowers or donations may be made to St. Joseph's Parish Church.