Margaret Gwozdzinsky's Obituary
The bridge world lost one of its leading ladies last Saturday when (Gosia) Margie Gwozdzinsky, the only child of Rachel (Ryszarda) Gwozdzinski, holocaust survivor, of Miami, Florida and her late husband, Frank Gwozdzinski, died on May 19, 2018. Margie was a world champion player (Venice Cup 1989) and many time National champion, well known for her generous spirit and strong opinions, as well as her great card play. She was a true competitor and exemplified toughness at the card table. She never stopped fighting at bridge or in life. Sadly, her cancer beat her.
A dear friend said of her, “She was funny, astute, charming, deeply understanding and nonjudgmental. She was grateful. She was wise and open-hearted. She was generous. She saw the good in people and forgave their frailties. She knew how to love, to accept and how to adjust herself to what was possible. She knew how to wait, how to play the long game. She looked at the world in her own way and she encouraged me to do the same, to think outside the box. When I got stuck, she would say to me, 'You’re not hearing me pussy cat. Let’s start again from the beginning….'”
Born in Poland on March 17, 1948, she moved to New York with her family in December 1960. She graduated from the (LaGuardia) High School of Music & Art (& Performing Arts) in 1965 and then went on to CCNY, class of 1969.
A brief marriage to a New York area podiatrist Morty Draluck, ended in divorce. She worked as a programmer for Grumman Aerospace before becoming a full time Bridge professional.
She was highly valued as a bridge teacher of private lessons, even being mentioned in an obituary of a favorite student. She mentored many up and coming players, some of whom went on to become quite famous.
In retirement, she moved from New York to Florida for half the year initially, then full time, mainly to be with her dear friend, Richard Schwartz.
Her memorial was held at the Levitt-Weinstein Palor, 3201 NW 72nd Avenue, Hollywood, Florida this past Wednesday, May 23. Her bridge friends plan another one at the next Nationals in Atlanta. Many of their memories of her are posted online at https://bridgewinners.com/article/view/memories-of-margie/
What’s your fondest memory of Margaret?
What’s a lesson you learned from Margaret?
Share a story where Margaret's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Margaret you’ll never forget.
How did Margaret make you smile?
