Eleanor M. Swierzowski

Eleanor M. Swierzowski AmsterdamEleanor M. Swierzowski, 89, formerly of Van Derveer Street, Amsterdam, died Saturday morning, October 20,2012 at River Ridge Living Center, Amsterdam following a brief illness. She was born in Amsterdam on February 27, 1923, a daughter of Joseph and Bernice Stepien Halgas and was educated in local schools. Eleanor was a lifelong area resident. Mrs. Swierzowski was employed as a sewing machine operator at several local companies in Amsterdam. Eleanor was a longtime communicant of St. John the Baptist Church in Amsterdam until its closing. She was a devoted member of the Rosary Society and of the Ladies Auxiliary at the church. Eleanor was a dedicated Pierogi Lady at St. John's and also belonged to the Senior Citizen's Group at the church. She was married to Frank S. Butch Swierzowski on August 24, 1946. He died October 15, 1989. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by an infant son, Lawrence, who died April 11, 1947, and a daughter, Geraldine Bielecki, who died January 30, 2002. Eleanor was predeceased by all of her siblings, Mack and Frank Halgas, Mary Zaklukiewicz, Julia Szurek, Jean Mielcasz, Monica Cichy, and Sister Mary Borromeo. Survivors include a daughter, Christine (James) Sommar of North Wales, PA; a son-in-law, Michael Bielecki of Amsterdam; five grandchildren, Kimberly (Jamie) Rubin, Jeffrey (Janel) Sommar, Kristin (Jamie) Jenney, Kathryn Sommar, and Megan Sommar; four great-grandchildren, Alexis Rubin, Alessandra and Nathaniel Sommar, and Palmer Jenney; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A prayer service will be held on Tuesday at 9:15 a.m. at the Riley Mortuary, 110 Division Street, Amsterdam followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Church, 50 Cornell Street, Amsterdam with the Rev. Stanley Swierzowski, her brother-in-law, officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery, Amsterdam. Calling hours will be held at the Riley Mortuary on Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. Arrangements are by the Robert M. Halgas Funeral Home, Inc., Johnstown. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Cemetery.