PRICE-Our loving mom, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Leokadia “Lottie” Beben Majnik, age 88, who was a survivor of World War II passed on to our Heavenly Father on March 19, 2010 in Gilbert, Ariz. Her life story, love and smiles will never be forgotten.
Lottie was born Feb. 11, 1922 in Warsaw, Poland to Alexander Beben and Staniszawa Beben Szymanska. She had three children from Poland, Zbyszek Ksiazek (Ziggy), deceased April 2009, Emille Ksiazek, and Grejsi Ksiazek.
She married Thomas A. Majnik Jr., March 21, 1960 in Price, Utah and had two beautiful daughters, Tracy Majnik Sulzer and Darlene Majnik Francis; along with six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Lottie not only survived WWII and was a Holocaust Survivor. She was always one that would be there to help anyone in need. For example, Lottie would help the Jews in the concentration camps with food and clothing. She was a feisty Polish woman who would always fight for her rights and others.
In Warsaw, Poland she was a successful business owner of a variety clothing store. She came to America with the Holbrook’s in 1960 who now reside in Salt Lake City. Lottie helped them raise their children as they were an active political family with the American Embassy in Poland. She later on helped very established people in Price, Utah with their homes and being their best friends. To name some, Doctor Oliveto and his family, the Jones, Jackson’s, and Kelly’s. Marge Curtis and Rosalie Peterson were very close to Lottie and they did all kinds of activities together throughout the years.
Oprah was recruiting candidates for Steven Spielberg from the Holocaust, when her daughter Darlene contacted them. Steven Spielberg and his staff contacted Lottie requesting an interview for her story for the upcoming movie, The Schindler’s List. Lottie refused the interview because it was too painful to talk about. She did share her experiences about the war with the Price City schools.
Lottie was a very talented lady who played the piano, danced, and entertained for people to make them happy. Her family in Poland goes way back to the Queen of Poland and their also related to the Szymanska Sisters on Lawrence Welk. This lady was a truly hidden gem that all will miss.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2010, 10 a.m., at Mitchell Funeral Home, 233 East Main Street in Price. The family will be at Mitchell’s Saturday one hour prior to services. Interment, Price City Cemetery, Price, Utah.
Those wishing to sign the guestbook and share stories of “Lottie” are welcome at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net
In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted at Gilbert Senior Center, 100 N. Oak St., Gilbert AZ 85233.
Lottie Majnik
"Lottie Majnik"