Obituary of Mary C. Semkiw

Mary C. Semkiw, 97, of Amsterdam, NY has gone to her eternal rest on Tuesday, June 27th, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 5th, 1920 in Amsterdam, NY, she was the daughter of the late Carmella Greco and Louis Salerno. Mary was a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School. She spent over 50 years as a Pharmacy Technician and was employed by Rapello's and Tag's Pharmacy. Also, she was employed at Holzheimer's Shaul Department Store where you would find her familiar face with a welcoming smile. Mary married the love of her life and best friend John Semkiw on May 17th, 1953. It was a beautiful union that lasted until his passing on June 21st 1970. Mary was a former member of the Democratic Club, St. Michael's Rosary Alter Society, and the Columbiettes. Mary was an incredible baker who genuinely loved spending time with her family. There wasn't a time you couldn't find a chocolate cake on her table. She also had a passion for reading and writing poetry. Mary was a strong, loving, and considerate woman. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her. Mary is predeceased by her loving husband John and dear son Alexander. She is survived by her devoted daughter Mary Anne Semkiw; her grandchildren, Nicholas and Gina-Marie Semkiw; her sister Rosetta Raspudic; her brothers, Ralph (Carol) Salerno, and Michael Salerno; and her daughter in-law Lori (Wayne) Tessero-Semkiw. Many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. Mary is also predeceased by her brothers, Alexander and Joseph (Lucy) Salerno; her sisters in-law, Anna, Sonia, Marta, Lesia, and Sylvia; and her brothers in-law, Gregory and Matthew. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all the caregivers and visiting nurses who assisted Mary, a special thank you to Gladys, Lisa, and Connie for thier compassion and loving care. A Funeral Service for Mary will be held on July 3rd, 2017 at 10am at Betz, Rossi, & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, with Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis presiding. Interment will immediately follow at St. Michael's the Archangel Cemetery, Widow Susan Road, Amsterdam. Calling hours will be held on July 2nd, 2017 from 4-7pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers a Memorial Contribution may be made to GAVAC, P.O. Box 11, Amsterdam, NY 12010. The Amsterdam Free Library, 28 Church Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010, or The Montgomery County Office For Aging, Inc., 135 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Those wishing to express their condolences may do so by signing our online Memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com