Christine M. Guzda

Christine Mary Guzda, age 68, of Utica, New York, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 1, 2025, with her loving husband and children by her side. She was born on August 4, 1956, in Kielkow, Poland, the daughter of John and Irene (Kudla) Bulawa. At age 9, Christine and her family immigrated to Buffalo, New York, on the ocean liner, Stefan Batory. Christine attended Catholic elementary schools in Buffalo. Christine completed high school at Utica Free Academy after her family moved to Utica in 1973. Christine met her husband, Richard Guzda, during a wedding in Poland, where the two stood as maid of honor for Christine's first cousin (Malgorzata Kudla) and best man for Richard's brother (Janusz). The young couple fell in love over a two-week period and married in a civil ceremony on September 17, 1977 in Mielec, Poland. Christine and Richard celebrated their church ceremony on April 1, 1978, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Utica. The couple celebrated forty-seven wonderful years and raised three children together, Christopher, Mark, and Dorothy (Roy). Christine and Richard have seven grandchildren - Joseph and Sofia (Dr. Christopher and Malgorzata Guzda); Amelia, Andrew, and Anna (Mark (P.E.) and Kathryn Guzda); Kamila and Benny (Dr. Dorothy and Trey Roy). Christine was a devoted and loving wife to Richard, and a supportive and proud mother and grandmother. Christine was the heart and soul of her family – a woman whose love, strength, and unwavering devotion to them defined her every day. She created a warm, welcoming home filled with kindness, comfort, and unconditional love. A woman of deep faith, Christine was a devoted Catholic whose life was guided by prayer and compassion. Her strength, grace, and kindness were a source of comfort to all who knew her. She had a special love for flowers – planting them, cultivating them, and enjoying their beauty. Her gardens reflected her soul: vibrant, gentle, and nurturing. For much of her life, Christine worked at Pulaski Meat Market, her family business. She greeted customers with a warm smile and became a familiar, friendly face to the community, making everyone feel welcome and appreciated. Christine left the family business to provide full-time care for her mother, Irene, until her passing. Christine then worked for the North Utica Community Center as a daycare teacher, devoting her love and compassion to the young children she watched over. Christine was predeceased by her parents, John and Irene; older sister, Grace Mroz; and her older brother, Greg Bulawa. Surviving her are her husband, three children and their spouses; seven grandchildren; her younger brother Vincent Bulawa; several nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers and sisters-in-laws, and friends both in Poland and in America. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday, May 4th, from 2-4 p.m. at McGrath, Myslinski, Kowalczyk & Nunn Funeral Directors, 470 French Rd, Utica. Funeral services for Christine will begin on Monday, May 5th, at 9:30 a.m. from the funeral home. The funeral Mass will take place at Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m., 1206 Lincoln Ave, Utica, NY 13502. Following Mass, a Christian burial will be celebrated near the monument of Saint John Paul II at Holy Trinity Cemetery, 1500 Champlin Ave, Utica, NY 13502. Christine's family extends their sincere thanks and gratitude to the Faxton Oncology Medical Group, which includes Dr. Alicia Detraglia, Stacey Jaskolka, NP, Nurse Christopher, and the entire care staff. The St. Peter's Hospital team, including Drs. Rebecca Keim, Joyce Barlin, and Matt Warndorf. Dr. Geoffery Ku at MSK. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations can be made in Christine's memory to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Rd, New Hartford, NY 13413 (online at www.hospicecareinc.org) or the Holy Trinity Church Memorial Fund (www.holytrinityutica.com). Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Messages of sympathy at www.kowalczykfuneralhomes.com To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Christine, please visit our Tree Store.