Obituary of Mary V. Chmielewski

Mary V. Chmielewski, R.N., age 87, of Rome, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2018 at the Harding Nursing Home in Waterville. She put up a great fight to maintain her independence and dignity; however, the battle became too great. May she rest in peace as she finished her last shift. Mary was born in Rome on June 19, 1930 to the late Anthony and Doris Smith. She graduated from Rome Free Academy and received her nursing degree from St. Elizabeth's School of Nursing. On June 26, 1954, she was united in marriage to Stanley P. Chmielewski at the Church of the Transfiguration in Rome; a blessed union of 44 years until his passing on October 10, 1998. Mary worked at several area hospitals and nursing homes over the years and retired from Marcy Psychiatric Center. Mary encouraged her family through years of camping and boating adventures, Boy Scouts, high school, and college. In later years Mary was active in the Red Hat Society and the Ava Dorfman Senior Center. Mary is survived by her three sons and a daughter in law, Gary and Kim Chmielewski of Fishers, IN, Paul Chmielewski of Clinton, NY and Mark (Filitsa Sterner Mistretta) Chmielewski of Sarasota, FL; grandchildren, Allison (Strafer) Arvin, Christopher (Sidney) Chmielewski, Melissa (Daniel White) Chmielewski, Adam Chmielewski, Amy (Max) Seifert, Marie (Scott) Renton, James Sweeney; four great grandchildren, Scarlet Arvin, Griffin and Reina Seifert, and Caleb Renton; a brother, Donald Smith; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Robert Smith. Mary's family extends their appreciation to the staff of Harding Nursing home for all the warmth and care given to their mother. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday at 11 AM at the Church of the Transfiguration, with the Rev. Robert Kelly officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary's name to the Alzheimer's Association, CNY Chapter, 441 W. Kirkpatrick Street, Syracuse, NY 13204. Arrangements are entrusted to the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street. Please offer online condolences at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com.