Barbara Irene Fiszer's Obituary
Barbara Irena Fiszer, aged 98, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025, in Plano, Texas. Born on November 29, 1926, in Warsaw, Poland, Barbara was born to Hieronim Kwiatkowski and Anna Golembieska in Warsaw. She was the youngest of three children with an older brother, Richard, and sister, Dana.
Barbara endured the horrors of the WWII Holocaust at the age of 17, surviving harrowing challenges in a hard labor camp named Striegau, near the Polish town of Strzegom, with remarkable faith and resilience. Even while she was confined to this forced labor, her spirit remained unbroken, a testament to her incredible faith and inner strength.
Barbara met her beloved husband, Joseph M. Fiszer, while in Warsaw, Poland. The two had a loving marriage for 42 years and created a beautiful family together. They had three children together, Jerry R. Fiszer, Joseph H. Fiszer, and Barbara A. Fiszer. Their legacy will be forever remembered through their loving families.
Barbara and her husband made the journey to immigrate to the United States of America following the war to start their lives in St. Louis, Missouri. Barbara embraced the journey to becoming a citizen of the United States of America. She diligently followed the naturalization process, taking each step with determination and pride. Even with her new citizenship, she always remained steadfast in her commitment to her Polish roots. Barbara cherished her Polish heritage and made it a point to pass down its rich traditions and values to her children.
Barbara took pride in her work as a skilled tailor, dedicating herself to crafting men’s hats and perfecting men’s clothing with great care. Doing precise alterations for men’s clothing and meticulously working on their suits, her talent and attention to detail shone through. Barbara’s career even led her to work as the head of the alteration department for the prestigious store Lord & Taylor, where her expertise brought refinement and style to every piece she touched. Her craftsmanship was a source of joy and pride, leaving a lasting impression on those she served.
Barbara cherished spending her later years traveling and immersing herself in every moment with her daughter’s family, from cheering at baseball and softball games to exploring Poland, from the mountains to relaxing on the beach, her family’s company was her greatest joy. She will always be remembered as an inseparable part of our lives, a constant presence who was with us through every moment.
Barbara was incredibly faithful and will be remembered for her deep, unwavering Catholic faith, which carried her through her most difficult days in the war. She exemplified grace, intelligence, and beauty. She was well-read and her clever humor brought laughter and joy to everyone around her. Barbara was a very talented artist, taking great joy in watercolor painting.
Barbara is survived and dearly missed by her daughter, Barbara Anna Fiszer of Plano, Texas; her granddaughter, Angela Marentes and her grandson, Joshua Marentes of Plano, Texas; her son, Jerry Fiszer and his wife, Linda Fiszer of Mena, Arkansas; grandchildren: Jason and Michelle Fiszer, Justin and Kimberly Fiszer, and Katie Fiszer; her son, Joseph H. Fiszer and his wife Patricia
Fiszer of Asheboro, North Carolina; grandchildren, Irene Fiszer and Michael and Justin. Barbara leaves behind 7 great-grandchildren. Barbara is survived by her loving sister Dana in Warsaw, Poland, and many other beloved nephews and nieces.
Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph M. Fiszer, her brother, Richard and her parents, Anna and Hieronim Kwiatkowski.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1201 Alma Dr., Plano, Texas 75075. Barbara will be laid to rest with her husband following the Mass at Restland Cemetery & Memorial Park, Dallas, Texas.
The family will receive friends during a rosary and visitation on Monday, May 5, from 4:00pm – 8:00pm at Restland, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75243.
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?