Elizabeth A. Best

Elizabeth A. Best, 92, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Wynn Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Utica on October 18, 1932, the daughter of the late Chester and Sadie (Walaszek) Pawelec. Elizabeth attended Holy Trinity grade school and graduated from Utica Catholic Academy. She met her husband-to-be in a chance meeting while working as an elevator operator at the Boston Store. On May 16, 1953, Elizabeth was united in marriage to Richard J. Best in Holy Trinity Church, a loving union of 59 years before his passing on February 13, 2013. Early on in their marriage, she was a stay-at-home mother caring for her family. She re-entered the workforce at Utica Mutual Insurance Company as an accounting clerk, a job she truly loved. She stopped working in 1980 when her husband got sick. She devoted over 30 years caring for him. Elizabeth enjoyed bowling and was the treasurer for many years for her league, crocheting blankets for her family, and making puzzles. Surviving are her children; Denise (Richard) Williams, Bonnie Best, Marie (Patrick) Tomaselli, Christine (John) DelMonte, Thomas (Monica) Best, and John Best; grandchildren, Jennifer (John) Fitzgerald, Dennis (Jessica) Williams, Heather Lubey, Kelly (Nate) Jalowiec, Justin (Jennifer) DelMonte, Adam DelMonte, Brandon DelMonte, Amanda Sabet, Danielle Best, Timothy Best, Matthew (Gabriella Gouveia DaSilva) Best; great-grandchildren, Colette, Anthony, Ethan, Dominic, Genevieve, Cailainn, Stella, Giuliana, Sienna, and Dominic; great-great grandson, Rhys; brothers, Chet (Diane Pacilio) Pawelec and Edward (Sharon) Pawelec; several nieces, nephews and cousins and in-laws. Especially remembering the "apples of her eye" Dennis, Danielle, and Cailainn. Elizabeth cherished the memories of those who pre-deceased her; husband, Richard Best; son, Dennis Best and daughter, Patricia Best-Sabet; sisters, Irene and John Holdridge and Dorothy and Alfred Fiore. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Monday, January 27th from 4-6 p.m. at McGrath, Myslinski, Kowalczyk & Nunn Funeral Directors, 470 French Rd., Utica. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, January 28th at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will be in St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Cemetery, Whitesboro, where she will be laid to rest. The family wants to thank Bonnie for all she did for Mom on a daily basis. We can never repay you for the love and care you provided. We would also like to thank the ICU staff at Wynn Hospital, especially Toni Oles, who took care of Mom and us during a difficult time. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth, please visit our floral store.