SOUTH DEERFIELD - Rose E. (Tudryn) Lankowski, 81, of South Deerfield, died Jan. 27, 2012, at the Center for Extended Care in Amherst.

Born April 3, 1930, in North Hadley, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Tekla (Wilkzynski) Tudryn. She grew up in North Hadley and attended Hopkins Academy.

In September 1950, Rose married Henry Lankowski at Holy Rosary Church in Hadley. Henry predeceased her on Jan. 21, 1990.

During her youth and early married years, Rose worked for many local farmers. She worked many years as supervisor for dining services at the University of Massachusetts. Following several years of retirement, Rose returned to the work force at Big Y supermarkets doing product demonstrations. She also worked at Pro Brush in Florence and the Bement School in Deerfield.

She was a communicant of Holy Family Church, serving on the Parish Council, and also volunteered time at the South County Senior Center in South Deerfield. She was a volunteer at Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield.

Rose had a spunky spirit and was very close with her family. Rose and Henry shared many great times with their granddaughters. Following Henry's passing, Rose took on the household chores and was enormously proud of her well kept lawn. She loved her Polish music and followed many local polka bands that her son, Peter, played for. Her famous cheesecake was a favorite at many family get-togethers. Rose loved her bingo games, where she made many friends. She was very proud of all of her family's athletic accomplishments and followed many sporting events at Frontier Regional School and Hopkins Academy. She was well known by the basketball officials.

Rose leaves her son and his wife, Peter and Holly Lankowski of South Deerfield; two granddaughters, Nicole Lankowski and her husband, Greg Lawrence, and Laurie Lankowski and her partner, Austin McComb; two great-grandchildren, Myalin and Henry Lawrence; two sisters, Mildred Borys of Chicopee, and Pauline Kokoski of Hadley; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Rose was predeceased by her sisters, Mae Bacon and Anna Wanat; and her brothers, Frank, John and Joseph "Dutchie" Tudryn.

Memorial gifts may be made to Deerfield Rescue, 84 Greenfield Road, South Deerfield, MA 01373, or to the Patient Activities Account at the Center for Extended Care in Amherst, 150 University Drive, Amherst, MA 01002.

A memorial service for family and friends in celebration of her life will be led by her godson, Deacon Ted Tudryn, on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at 10 a.m. at Wrisley Funeral Home, South Deerfield. At Rose's request, there are no calling hours. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, South Deerfield.