GRYNBERG, Elizabeth W (Oldachowska), 78, of Lexington, passed away on May 26 after a long illness. She was the beloved wife of Marek Grynberg, her surviving husband of 55 years; cherished mother of her children, Michael and Jessica; and loving babcia to her grandsons, Sean (14) and Seth (11).

Elizabeth was born on June 21, 1944 in Warsaw, Poland, then under German occupation during World War II. She joined a family that included her father, Michal Oldachowski; mother, Helena Oldachowska (Paul); and sister, Jolanta.

Knowing that she wanted to be a doctor, she worked a hospital job while studying for the university entrance exams. In 1964 she met Marek on the Baltic seaside, and they were together ever since. They married in 1968 and immigrated to the United States in 1969.

After completing an internship and medical residency in Waltham, she entered private practice in psychiatry. In the mid-1980s, she began work at the Bedford VA, where she spent the rest of her career serving our veterans. She was recognized by her coworkers for her ability to combine skill and sensitivity, knowledge and compassion. Over time, she passed her accumulated wisdom to numerous medical students on rotation in the hospital.

Despite the demands of work, she always put her family first. Her children knew the blessing of growing up in a home of unconditional love. No matter the challenge, they knew that their mom would always have what they needed, whether a word of advice, a sympathetic ear, a shoulder to cry on, or just a smile at the perfect moment.

Elizabeth retired from the VA in 2012. Her interests shifted to wildlife photography and adding to her Lexington home's beautiful landscaping and gardens in whose shade these words are written, surrounded by the sounds of the birds she so enjoyed. She and Marek also took time to travel near—visiting their children and grandchildren—and far—exploring the world and its many birding opportunities.

She will be greatly missed by those she leaves behind.