Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Mary Rozek Obituary

Mary (Apalovich) Rozek
of Endicott
Funeral services for Mary Rozek will be held Monday, 9:30 a.m. from the Leon Pucedo Funeral Home, Inc., 1905 Watson Blvd., Endicott, and at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, where a Funeral Mass will be offered. Burial will be in Riverhurst Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Pucedo Funeral Home on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. St. Joseph's Altar Rosary Society will meet at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, at the funeral home. Czechoslovak Moravian Club will meet Sunday at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to Ideal Senior Living Center, 600 High Ave., Endicott, N.Y. 13760.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press & Sun-Bulletin on Sep. 28, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Rozek

16 Entries

Kathleen Rozek

October 3, 2008

Ma…her kindness touched each and every one of us in some way, some of us more profoundly than others, I’m sure. My brothers and sisters and I share more than her heritage. We share her spirit and soul. She was the glue that held our family together. The matriarch of a goofy tribe of very different personalities. And yet, she had an uncanny way of understanding each one of us, even when we didn’t understand ourselves. Always there for us, she was the one person who saw our potential and fervently believed that even if (well, when) we diverted off course, we knew we’d always be able to come back to home base as long as she was there. Growing up, we didn’t have a lot of money, but with the exception of her weekly 50-cent lottery ticket, she always looked beyond what makes you wealthy to provide us with joyous memories of what makes "life" rich.
She had a collage of framed pictures leading up the steps to the upstairs bedrooms, with Kenny at the top, then Eddie, Fran, Me and Chrissy… then all of Kenny and Sandy's kids on down the stairway. I remember the day Eddie turned 30. I came home and found her sitting at the top of the steps staring at that portrait of Eddie taken at the tender age of 4 wearing a beautiful sailor suit that Aunt Annie had given him. Ma seemed reflective, kind of sad. I said, “Ma, what are you doing?” She said, “I remember when he was just a baby.” To which I replied, “Ma, Kenny’s older than that. You didn’t seem this sad when HE turned 30.” “He was born older,” she responded. Eddie was always her baby. Who are we kidding? He was her favorite.
Alex, Chrissy, Taylor and I loved taking her on vacations with us…mostly to Florida where we could visit with Fran, David, Alyssa and Chelsea. She made no secret of the fact that she never wanted to miss a minute of time with any of her precious grandchildren. As her arthritis became increasingly debilitating, we began making her use a wheelchair, much to her reluctance. One day, we were getting our rented van loaded up to go to Walt Disney World in Orlando. The plan was that Ma would stay at the resort with Fran for the day while the grandkids and I spent a long day at the park. (That was the plan.) As I got into the driver’s seat, I looked over and was surprised to find her sitting next to me in the passenger seat! I said, “Ma, you’re staying here with Fran.” She said, “No, I want to go to the park with the kids.” After limited discussion…under the hot Florida sun, of course, she won. We got to the park and I insisted that she ride in a wheelchair. (That was the plan.) By the end of the day, we had that wheelchair piled high with food, water, souvenirs and other assorted treasures. And there she was sauntering next to it, easily keeping up with us…after going on every ride. We had a blast…and it’s a good thing we had that chair!
Awhile ago, I received an email from Fran that reminded me so much of Ma. There wasn’t an author associated with it…I suppose it could be any one of us. I adapted it to read something like this:
Ma, when you thought I wasn't looking...
I saw you hang my first drawing on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to draw another one.
You always made our favorite cookies and I learned that little things can be the special things in life.
I saw you bake for parties and events, and I learned that we all have to love and take care of each other.
I saw you give of your time to help people in need and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.
I felt you kiss me good night and I felt loved and safe.
I saw you take care of our home and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel well, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
I saw that you cared and that made me want to be everything I could be.
I watched you, and I learned the lessons I needed to know to be a good and productive person when I grew up. I feel your spirit here with me now and want to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."
I believe in fate. Everything happens for a reason. Ma, I close my eyes and see you smile. I listen and hope to hear the sound of your voice one more time. I open my arms and dream of the warmth of your hug. We all hoped and prayed for a miracle. And now I realize that the miracle was the gift of your life. You live on in all of us.
Love,
Kath

Denise (Connor) Clark

September 30, 2008

Dear Cousins,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of our dear Aunt Mary. I will always remember the family gatherings at her house when I was very young. Despite my youth, I still had a great appreciation for her many talents – cooking, sewing, and photography. I can never remember a moment when she ever did anything unkind and, in fact, when you were around her, you felt that she was your own special grandmother. Thankfully, she is finally at peace. I am sorry I will miss seeing her for the last time by only about a week’s time.

Tony and Connie Ciancio

September 30, 2008

Annie and Chris,we are sadden by the lost of your sister and mother. We are sorry we couldn't be there with you. Our prayers are with you. And may our dear Lord Jesus Christ bring peace and comfort to you and your family.

Lori Tripp

September 30, 2008

Chris, Taylor & Family ~
I'm so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a great lady who I admired very much. She will be missed.

Kyle and Dick Starwald

September 28, 2008

Fast and Doris,
Sorry for the loss of your mom. We are thinking of you as you mourn and remember the precious times you shared with your mom. Love, Kyle and Dick

Cathie(Gombar) Abraham

September 28, 2008

Kath~
I want to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the passing of your mother. My prayers are with you that God eases your pain in this loss.
Love~
Cathie

Carol Shaver

September 28, 2008

Dear Chris,
Thank you so much for entrusting your Mom to our care. Mary was loved by all that knew her. I will miss her very much. Know in your heart that I am thinking of you.
Love,
Carol

Linda Clarke

September 27, 2008

Dear Chris, Taylor and family,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember your Mom as someone with a big heart and a wonderful cook. She had a wonderful sense of humor too. May your burden be less just knowing she is in caring and loving hands now and suffers no more. Thinking of you.
Love, Linda

William Legg Jr

September 27, 2008

We send our deepest sympthys to you and the family. Jenny and Bill Legg Jr

Susan (Sexton) Stella

September 27, 2008

To my cousins,
I remember Grandma Rozek going each Sunday to your house for dinner. Sometimes one of us would be allowed to join her. Your mom was such a good cook and your home was always such a lively place. Please know that our thoughts are with you during this time.

Steve & Diana Cornell

September 26, 2008

Chris Rozek,

Diana and I send you our deepest sympathies and condolences on the passing of your mother. May she Rest in Peace. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless!!

Barbara Canchola

September 26, 2008

To My Aunt Mary, You where like a second mom to me. Always doing my hair, sewing beautiful clothing for me letting me babysit my sweet cousin Kenny. It was fun going to Sokols with you, enjoying all of the great family get togethers we always had. I always loved the great family pictures that you organized for the family memories. I know where my interest in photography came from. I always loved you for being you. My wonderful aunt. You are now with all your loved ones in heaven and all of your family here on earth know how special we are to have had you in our lives. Thank you Aunt Mary, Rest in Peace

Betty Palo

September 26, 2008

Judy said it most beautifully for all of us. Aunt Mary was always there for me and anyone who needed help with sewing or baking. Many happy times were spent in her home either pouring over old photos or tapes she made of family events. She truly was our family historian. Aunt Mary was alot of fun to be with and it was always exciting to be in her home. We will miss her profoundly but memories of her will live on in her many pieces of handiwork and recipes she shared so lovingly. My life was certainly enriched being her niece. I'll miss you so, Aunt Mary. Those angels will have the best made robes ever.
Love, Little Betty

Christine Williams

September 26, 2008

I have so many good memories of Mary. She was such a big part of my childhood. I remember what a talented seamstress she was. I remember what a wonderful cook she was. I also remember looking forward every year to her Christmas Village that she set up in the garage. Mary and Frank were such good friends to my grandparents (Helen and Dominic Perrino) and I believe they are all together now....

Audrey Prentice

September 26, 2008

Love and Prayers to the entire Rozek Family. I have many special memories of this loving woman, I know she is with our Lord and Savior and is whole once more and in the company of her loved ones who went to be with God before her, but on a selfish personal note, I will miss her earthly pressence until I am able to see her again in the kingdom of God. Love, Audrey Prentice

Judy Vitale

September 26, 2008

My Aunt Mary--
So many wonderful memories from my childhood and beyond. Going to Aunt Mary's was such a special treat. She always made me feel at home. When I was young, she gave my sister and me sewing lessons, which I failed at miserably! Her hands were truly a gift--such loving, beautiful hands that made luscious cookies and cakes, and sewed clothing that was just as finished-looking on the inside as on the outside! A few months ago, at our last visit, I held those hands in mine and thought about all the good they've done during her life. Aunt Mary, rest in peace, and be rejoined with your family members who are waiting to see you again as you once were.
Love from your niece,
Judy

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results