Obituary of Virginia (Taboleski) Szyjkowski

Mrs. Virginia (Taboleski) Szyjkowski, 91, of Tribes Hill, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.

Born in Fort Johnson on August 30, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Barney and Stella (Motyl) Taboleski. Virginia is survived by her children Lorraine Stellato (Anthony), James Szyjkowski (Lisa), and Christine Jespersen (Scott), 

7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 2 aunts, many nieces/nephews, cousins, and very dear friends. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 54 years Peter F. Szyjkowski, her son, William Szyjkowski and her sisters Alice Wright, MaryAnn Opalka, and Theresa Swinarski.

Virginia was a loving wife, caring mother, “Grammie”, “GG” and a wonderful friend. A life-long area resident and graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School in Amsterdam, Virginia was an employee of Mohawk Sportswear / Amsterdam Outerwear for more than 35 years. Upon retiring, she dedicated her time to her family, friends and the church. She enjoyed cooking, baking and sending cards to family, friends and loved ones.

Lovingly known as a “church lady”, Virginia was a devout communicant of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Tribes Hill, NY.  She was a member of the Rosary Altar Society, helping decorate the church and altar for special events and holidays and often volunteered at the Shrine of Kateri Tekakwitha. She loved helping others. 

Virginia was dedicated to her passion, The Sacred Heart Rosary Makers, organizing a team of volunteers to hand-make and distribute hundreds of rosaries for Catholics in need.  Additionally, she made blankets for immunodeficient infants, served as a den mother for the Tribes Hill Cub Scouts, as an assistant Girl Scout leader, and was a charter member of the Tribes Hill Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 6th, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Third Avenue, Tribes Hill, NY.  with Father Juanito Asprec as celebrant.    Interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Tribes Hill, NY.  The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, October 5^th, 2023  from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home. (171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam NY).  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Virginia’s memory to Sacred Heart Church, PO Box 264, Tribes Hill, NY 12177  or the Tribes Hill Fire Department, PO Box 224, Tribes Hill, NY 12177. Please leave condolences online at www.brbsfuneral.com