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January 27, 1936 - March 13, 2025 On Thursday, March 13, 2025, Lucyna Maria Teofila (Lazarewicz) Kobos passed away peacefully in Billings, Montana, at the age of 89. Born on January 27, 1936, in Nowe, Poland, she was the beloved daughter of Alphonse and Ewe (Rogacka) Lazarewicz. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 68 years, Robert W.
Kobos, who passed away on February 8, 2024. Lucyna's life was a remarkable testament to faith, resilience, and enduring love. Her journey began in war-torn Europe and led her to a new life filled with purpose and family.
After World War II, her family reunited and relocated to France in search of safety. Her father had survived as a prisoner of war while her mother courageously protected their children with the help of extended family. They eventually settled in Fontenet, France, where Lucyna found work on the nearby U.
S. Army Base. It was there that she met Robert "Bob" Kobos.
Originally drafted for service during the Korean War, destiny reassigned him to a post in Germany to refurbish wartime vehicles. Bob requested a new assignment towards the end of his service. That decision brought him to the base near Fontanet-where Lucyna worked- and sparked a love story that would span nearly seven decades.
Lucyna and Bob were married on August 9, 1955, by a French official in Fontanet. The following day they celebrated their union with a Catholic Ceremony at the Army Base Chapel. Their love was rooted deeply in faith and devotion.
Lucyna and Bob traveled separately to the United States and were reunited in Chicago with support from Bob's parents, Walter and Mary Kobos. They soon moved to Florida where they welcomed their first child, Michael. Embracing Florida's warmth and coastal beauty, they spent treasured days fishing together before returning to Chicago to grow their family further with Roberta (1959), Mark (1961), and Patricial (1963).
With dreams of building a stable future for their children and inspired by America's expanding highways, Bob pursued studies in diesel mechanics with hopes of joining Caterpillar Tractor in Missoula, Montana-a place where Lucyna's father and siblings had already settled. In 1965, with four children, including newborn Thomas in tow, they made Missoula their permanent home. They welcomed Marry "Tess" (1967) and twins April and Mathew (1971), completing their family of eight children.
Their sturdy red house in Missoula became a haven filled with warmth and hospitality. Lucyna's generosity knew no bounds-her doors were always open for holidays or spo9ntaneous visits alike. She created an atmosphere where everyone felt welcome and loved.
Lucyna's strength was matched by her resourcefulness. She managed a bustling household while ensuring every need was met. She organized memorable family adventures, holiday celebrations, birthdays, weddings, and quiet fireside evenings-and made sure her children experienced joy even amidst modest means.
She also extended her hare beyond her own home-supporting her father Alphonse as well as her siblings and their families. Her nurturing spirit embraced children from the community as if they were her own. Later in life, Lucyna and Bob fulfilled another dream: purchasing land on Flathead Lake with assistance from family members Walter and Mary Kobos, Richard and Janine Lazarewicz.
Their lakeside retreat became a sanctuary where generations learned to fish under Montana's skies, build a campfire, respect the weather, and sail across rough and tranquil waters-lessons not just about nature, but of trust and togetherness. Despite raising eight children, Lucyna remained committed to personal growth. She taught herself English through late-night study sessions and turned to her faith with daily readings.
As a mother of six at the time, she proudly earned her Certificate of Naturalization-realizing her dream of becoming an U.S. citizen though unwavering determination.
Lucyna carried herself with timeless elegance-always dressed with care, often adorned with heels and scarves that echoed her graceful presence. The soft scent of Chanel No.5 lingered as she moved through life with twinkling blue eyes that radiated wisdom, warmth, and always faith.
She found profound joy in God's creation-the changing seasons of Montana; spring blooms; delicate spiderwebs; snow-draped pines; starry skies above Flathead Lake-all reminders of divine beauty that stirred gratitude within her soul. Above all else, Lucyna treasured dancing with Bob-their steps as expression of enduring love rooted in faith. He was the love of her life; she remined forever his queen.
Lucyna leaves behind a legacy grounded in compassion, strength, humility, and unwavering devotion to family. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Michael (Rebecca) Kobos; Jessica Fehr (Chad) with great-grandchildren Daniel, Mathew, Robert; Michael Kobos with great-grandchildren Makayla and Genesis Faye; Genesis (Tony) Neumann with great-grandchildren Lucyna and Ava; Patricia Kobos (Steve Newell); Jacob (Peggy) Schwoob; Claire Schwoob; Jena Schwoob; Philip (Meghan) Schwoob with great grandchildren Caroline and Connor; Mark Kobos (Rebecca); Emily (Don) Albury with great-grandchildren Carter and Emerson; Hanna (Andrew) Breeden with great Grandchildren William and Roslyn; Patricia (Donal) Armstrong; Joseph (Alexandra) Armstrong with great-grandchildren Lochlan and Marais; Samuel (Grace Zwiefelhofer) Armstrong; Thomas Kobos (Susan); Erin (Joseph) Meuchel with great-grandchildren Brielle and Watson; Samantha Kobos; Tess (Lon) Morgan; Bridger Morgan; Marriah Morgan; Cassidy (Alex) Gwynn with great-grandchildren Elyot; April Pratt (Kent); Parker Pratt; Clavin Pratt; Mathew (Heather) Kobos; Rylee Kobos; Ethan Kobos. She is also remembered by her siblings: Adam (Christina) Lazarewicz; Jan (Stella) Lazarewicz; Eva Lazarewicz; Richard (Janine) Lazarewicz; Alphonse (Gayle) Lazarewicz; Frank Lazarewicz; Pierre (Ellie) Lazarewicz-as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Lucyna embodied strength wrapped in gentleness-a woman who led by example through love anchored firmly in faith. Her memory will live on through those blessed by her kindness. May we honor her legacy by living lives marked by resilience through trials, generosity without hesitation, devotion without condition-and love without end.
She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Dahl Funeral Chapel 10 Yellowstone Avenue Billings, MT 59101 4062488807 Obituaries Newsletter Sign up to get the most recent local obituaries delivered to your inbox..
