Caroline T.

Mendalka

Lifelong resident of Chelsea, Caroline passed away on Thursday April 13 ^th in the peaceful surroundings of her home.  She was 85 years of age.  Born and raised in Chelsea she was a daughter of the late Antoni & Agnes (Konopka) Kupczewski. One of 13 children, Caroline was born on June 30, 1931 along with her identical twin sister, Dorothy. Growing up as identical twins, Caroline and Dorothy shared so much more than their appearance. In school, they both shared the nickname "Twin," since people couldn't tell them apart. Short in stature, they always joked that since they were twins they had to "share their height." They were married on the same day in a double wedding ceremony on November 19, 1950. Between them they had 10 children, all of whom got the two of them mixed up at one time or another. Even as adults, they would find themselves wearing matching outfits without even planning it.

Caroline was a devoted wife, mother, sister and daughter. She and Ed had a wonderful marriage, sharing 66 years together. She lovingly cared for her developmentally disabled son, William (Billy) from his birth until his death at age 59 from pancreatic cancer. Throughout the years, Caroline was always the caregiver, whether it was driving family members to appointments, delivering groceries to her mother and her mother-in-law, or sitting at the bedside of her brother Thaddeus until he passed.  Everyone knew that they could count on Caroline for a favor, or just a kind word and a cup of tea.

She was equally devoted to her friends. Caroline had a close group of friends with whom she kept in touch for most of her years. She loved bus trips to Foxwoods, yoga classes and bingo at the Chelsea Senior Center. Caroline and Ed also went to dances on most Saturday nights. Even when they couldn't polka like they used to, they enjoyed listening to the music and sharing the company of good friends. "Sweet Caroline" was her favorite song; hearing it will always evoke sweet memories for all that knew and loved her.

In addition to her parents Caroline was also preceded in death by her son William "Billy" Mendalka, her siblings; Sophie Siuda, Mary Iwanicki, Henry Kupczewski, Joseph Kupczewski, Thaddeus Kupczewski, Anne Mahoney, Genevieve Karczewski, Hedwig Heinis, Helen Wiers, Florence Carlan and Frances "Nancy" Leonard.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Edward S. Mendalka and she was the very devoted mother of John Mendalka and his wife Cathy of Revere, Karen Hoerrner and her husband Mark of Chatham, NJ. Loved and cherished grandmother of Ingrid, Caroline and Philip Hoerrner and Kaitlin Mendalka.  Caroline is also most lovingly survived by her twin sister Dorothy Wilton of Derry NH and many nieces and nephews.