Waclawa Jadwiga Giddens passed away October 30, 2012. She was born and raised in Poland, and arrived in this country as a new bride eager to begin a new life and raise a family. Such challenges as learning the English language, being separated from familiar friends and family and adapting to the customs and traditions of America did not weaken her spirit, but in fact strengthened her extraordinary independence. The values of hard work and perseverance that she brought with her from Poland were taught to her children daily. She was the kind of mother who taught primarily through example: She taught her children to love animals when she never once turned away a stray dog or cat; she taught her children to love nature when she cared lovingly for her plants, flowers, caterpillars, and fed the birds and ducks; she taught her children to love education as she recalled her childhood experience of memorizing the Periodic Table, and as she continued to read a plethora of subjects ranging from American history, global economies, natural remedies, political issues, poetry, and literature. She also taught love of country when she proudly cast her vote during the presidential elections. Never one to follow a crowd, Waclawa Giddens voiced and defended her opinions, often showing others the different angle, the different perspective of an issue; her children therefore learned to hold fast to convictions even in the face of opposition. Mrs. Waclawa Giddens, our mom, has given us the gift of all of these values and more: She was the consistent voice of wisdom, guidance, and love in our family. She was a member of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, Virginia Beach.
Left to cherish her memory is her son, Ernest C. Giddens; her daughters, Shirley Giddens and Zorada and her husband, Paul Piepoli; grandchildren, Angelo Scoppa, Zorada Scoppa and Vito Piepoli. At her request the family will celebrate her life privately. Arrangements are entrusted to Graham Funeral Home, Chesapeake. At the request of the family memorial contributions should be made to Portsmouth Humane Society, 4022 Seaboard Ct., Portsmouth, VA 23701 Or www.portsmouthhumanesociety.org/donate. Please visit her book of memories at www.grahamfuneralhome.com to leave a note to the family.