Obituary of Genevieve L. Szczesniak
Genevieve L. Szczesniak, age 94, of Rome, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2020, after a long stay at the Grand Nursing Home.
She was born October 19, 1925 in Newport, NY, a daughter of the late Boniface and Luella Obnowska Lewandrowski. Jennie attended local schools, and later the family moved to Herkimer, NY, where she graduated from Herkimer High School in 1944. Shortly after graduation, the family moved to Rome, and she was employed in 1944, with N.Y. Telephone, retiring in 1985, from NYNEX.
On August 17, 1957, Jennie married the love of her life, F. Eugene Szczesniak (Genek) in the Church of the Transfiguration in Rome. They enjoyed 62 years of happy days together. She was a member of the Church of the Transfiguration and Rosary Society, and sang with the St. Cecilia Choir. Jennie was a member of several organizations: president (two years) of the Frank J. Steczko Post Polish American Veterans Ladies Auxiliary, the Rome Polish Home, serving on several committees, the United Polka League of the Mohawk Valley, and the Telephone Pioneers of Utica.
Jennie was a wonderful wife and a mom who was always there with an encouraging word, good advice, and was a good listener. She was a hard worker and a terrific cook. Jennie balanced working full-time with raising her family. She is a true inspiration to us all. Jennie was proud of her Polish heritage and loved polka dancing and singing. Her #1 joy in life was her “precious” grandsons: John III (Stephanie), Michael (Jill), and Daniel Emilianowicz; and Thomas, Andrew, and Dominic Anastasio; and her great grandchildren, Makayla and JJ Emilianowicz.
Jennie is survived by her husband, Eugene; her daughters, Joan (John) Emilianowicz and Susan Szczesniak; her brother, B. Edward Lewandrowski of Florida; and many nieces and nephews. Jennie was predeceased by her siblings, Edward Lewandrowski, Helen Lewandrowski, Stanley Lewan, Stella Evanciew, and Lee Kowal.
The family would like to thank the special angels who gave compassionate care at The Grand Nursing Home: Gina, Robin, Manny, Curtis, Jessica, Debbie, and all the other hard workers. They are wonderful! A special thank you to goddaughter, Julie, who was always there with her beautiful smile. We can’t thank them enough!
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 11 AM at the Church of the Transfiguration, with the Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may call at the church from 10 to 11 AM prior to the Mass.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street.
Please offer online condolences at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com.