Barbara (Klimek) Surowka

Barbara Surowka, 78, Brookline, MA, passed away December 5, 2021, with her devoted daughter by her side. She was born December 3, 1943, in Luzna Poland. Barbara earned her master’s degree in child psychology and worked as a teacher in Poland. Her plans to pursue a PhD were interrupted by the opportunity to move to the United States and embrace the freedom a life in America offered.

In 1983, Barbara immigrated to the United States.  Here she became a successful business owner and real estate investor in Brookline for 20 years where she worked side by side with her daughter. Barbara’s success gave her the opportunity to help others, including friends and relatives who needed support. Barbara remained passionate about education and encouraged everyone she knew to reach their full potential. 

Barbara was a strong, independent woman who was not afraid to speak her mind. She loved stimulating conversations over a gin and tonic and preferred to let others handle the cooking. She was vocal on politics surrounding free speech and believed in creating your own opportunities by working hard. Though she worked tirelessly, her family was the cornerstone of her life.

Her granddaughters were the love of her life, and her legacy.  She embraced every opportunity to spend time with them, even if it meant leaving work early. From long walks all over Boston when they were infants in strollers to hanging out at home, “Babcia” was always there. She supported every activity her granddaughters were involved in and looked forward to hearing what they had to say about anything and everything.  Barbara delighted in supporting them with whatever they needed to be successful and happy.

Barbara loved to travel, especially to her favorite destination Paris, which she visited many times over the years. She was a member of the Beth Yeshua Messianic Congregation in Newton where she found comfort and kinship and enjoyed learning about the Jewish faith.

Barbara is survived by her daughter Beata Pearson, son-in-law Erik and their two children Nicolette and Emma. A private service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Lupus Foundation, www.lupus.org or Dana Farber, www.dana-farber.org.

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