She was born February 5, 1928 in Alexander, NY, a daughter of the late Stanley and Bertha Kobrzycki Wiktorski.
Eleanor was employed for over 25 years by the former Beardsley’s Clothing Store in Batavia. She always made time for her family, church, and passions. If she wasn't digging in her gardens or cooking in the kitchen, Ellie was playing cards, traveling, doing puzzles, rooting for the Yankees and Sabres, or trying her luck at bingo and slots. She was blessed with a green thumb and enjoyed a good polka. She was a lifelong parishioner of Ascension Parish serving on its Altar and Rosary Society. Most of all she loved all of her family. A collector of family history and photos, she made annual family reunions even more memorable for more than 50 years. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.
She was the wife of the late Donald Kawacz for over 52 years, who passed away on February 1, 2002, and a sister of the late Stella Adamczyk, Helen Kawacz, Catherine Rzepka, Theresa Bukiewicz, Ignatius Wiktorski, Stephen Wiktorski, Frank Wiktorski, and Stanley Wiktorski.
Survivors include her daughter, Diane Kawacz of Batavia and son, Paul (Linda) Kawacz of Omaha, NE. Grandchildren, Colin (Ashley) Kawacz and Mary Kate Kawacz, great-grandson, Jackson Kawacz, all of Omaha, NE. Sister, Sophie Tydelski of Alexander. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (February 15th) from 4-8pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, 11am at Ascension Parish (corner of Swan Street and Sumner Street). Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.
The Ascension Parish Rosary Society will recite the Rosary Friday, 3:30pm at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center, 2652 Ridgeway Ave, Rochester, NY 14626. Expressions of sympathy can be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.
ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY, DIRECTOR.
