Obituary of Margaret Clary Bielawa

Margaret Clary Bielawa 79, of Amsterdam, passed away peacefully Thursday morning at the Edward L. Wilkinson Residential Health Care Facility with family at her side. Born September 14, 1930 in Amsterdam, she was the daughter of the late James J. and Margaret Mary Eaton Clary. A graduate of St. Mary's Institute, she was employed by G.E., the State Tax Department and the Mohawk Dairy, and lastly as a cashier at the former John's Gasland on Route 30. On August 26, 1956 she was united in marriage to Robert Adolf Bielawa who predeceased her on Feb. 17, 1997. Margaret was a member of St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary for over thirty years, and the Irish American Club. Deeply committed to her Catholic faith, she was a lifelong communicant of St. Mary's Church. Margaret will always be remembered as a great conversationalist with sharp wit, intelligence, and a wonderful sense of humor. She taught all how to love without prejudice, and was kind, generous and giving. A faithful Democrat, she was also very proud of her Irish heritage. We will miss her wonderful cooking, especially her famous brownies. 'T'was heaven here with you!' Her loving family includes her daughters; Mary Beth Bruce Knowles and Diane Bielawa all of Rochester; sons; Robert A. Tina Bielawa, and David L. Karen Bielawa all of Amsterdam; grandchildren Kelly Bach, Nikki Knowles and Nicholas Bielawa; and a great grandson; Cameron Bach. She also leaves her brother James Elaine Clary of Amsterdam; brother-in-law Pete LaBate of Amsterdam; and sister-in-law Barbara Bielawa, of Connecticut; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. She also leaves many dear and wonderful friends. In addition to her husband and parents, Margaret was predeceased by sisters; Mary Demars, Anne Tortorella, Patricia DeRose and Eileen LaBate. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 11:00 am at St. Mary's Church, 156 East Main Street by Fr. Brian List. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Sunday from 1-4 pm at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue. A time of reflection will take place Sunday at 3:30 pm at the funeral home. Interment is in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Catholic Charities of Montgomery County in care of the funeral home, to be used for battered women and their families. The Bielawa's are most grateful to the entire staff at Wilkinson's for their professional dedication and loving care of Margaret these last few years.