Roberta E. Monkiewicz, who was born in Chelsea and worked for years at Kayem Foods here, died on August 14, 2026 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House, with her family present. She was 87.
She was born on March 31, 1939 in Chelsea, the daughter of the late Adalbert and Olga (Osowick) Bazylewicz. She lived in Wenham for more than sixty years.
She married Anthony C. Monkiewicz, and they were married about forty years until his death in 1999. They raised two sons and a daughter. Her grandchildren knew her as Queen Babci, and she passed on to them her interest in crafts and family tradition. She hosted annual family trips to St. Martin.
She worked within the family business at Kayem Foods in Chelsea. She was a careful needlepointer and liked detailed craft work.
She was predeceased by her husband, her parents, and her brothers Albert P., Edward M. and Robert P. Bazylewicz. She is survived by her sons Peter and Philip Monkiewicz, her daughter Roberta VanderHeyden, three grandchildren, and extended family.
Private graveside services were held at Wenham Cemetery, where she was buried with her husband.
Compiled by Chelsea Record staff from information published by Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea, (617) 889-2723. This is our own summary, not the family’s obituary; read the full obituary and leave a condolence at the funeral home’s page. Corrections: we will fix any error promptly.