Maria Pofahl

Maria Pofahl of Browns Mills, New Jersey gently passed away at home on the evening of Wednesday, September 28, 2022. She is now with her God and beloved late husband and son. Maria was a Polish citizen born in Berlin, Germany on August 6, 1924 to Leon and Theodora (Urbanska) Stachowiak. When World War II broke out her family could not leave Germany and they lived in Berlin through the bombing and terror of that time. Her stories were fascinating and heartbreaking. After the war ended she met her husband Raymond who was stationed in Berlin and they were married in 1947. They returned to the US and she became an American citizen and embraced her adopted country. They spent the next 24 years in various locations during his Army career. Together they shared 73 years of marriage and the joy of having 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. They were blessed to have them living in the area and sharing so many years of happiness with them. Maria was a loving, kind and generous person who was cherished by family and friends. She was interested in helping people and listening to their thoughts and histories. She had an amazing mind and remembered details about their families, birthdays and meaningful events in their lives. She gave her time generously to help people. She was a dedicated volunteer Polish translator to parents bringing their children to the Children of the World Program at Deborah Heart and Lung Center. She has kept in touch with many of the children and parents all these years. Maria was an incredibly talented woman who loved to play the piano, was fluent in 3 languages and an avid reader, especially of history. We take comfort that she was loved and appreciated by so many people. We are so thankful to have had her as our Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Aunt and friend for so many wonderful years. Maria is survived by her daughter Wanda Gillen, son (late) Michal Pofahl and wife Terry Pofahl and son Thomas Pofahl, Sr. and wife Jeanette Dodds-Pofahl. Grandchildren Melanie Eccles, husband Chad Eccles, great grandchildren Paulie, Joey, Andy and Jonnie; son-in-law (late) John “Jack” Gillen; grandchildren Misha Bartlett and husband Adam Bartlett, great grandchild Cecilia; David Pofahl and wife Aliki Pofahl and Kaylee Pofahl; Thomas Pofahl, Jr. and wife Misty Pofahl, great grandchildren Makenziy McClure, Sammy, Sonny and Luke Pofahl; Tiffany (Pofahl) LaSanta and husband Renee, great grandchildren Ava and Sonia; granddaughter Tessa Pofahl and Godchild Olenka Kurosky. A visitation will be held on Friday October 14, 2022 from 12-1:30 PM at Perinchief Funeral Home on 438 High Street in Mount Holly, NJ. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 PM followed by burial at the Mount Holly Cemetery.

Maria Pofahl

August 6, 1924 - September 28, 2022