Sylvia Wdowiak's Obituary
Sylvia Wdowiak age 94, passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2022 at Concordia of Franklin Park surrounded by her three children. Grandmother and great grandmother of 18, Sylvia was happiest when she was with her family. She was devoted to her late husband, Leo, and children Walter, Maureen (Ellis), and John. Christmas Eves weren't just a gathering, they were a celebration at Sylvia's house when everyone was there. (Especially if someone won on the instant lottery tickets that she always made sure were in everyone's stocking, including a spare penny to use for the scratchy!) Her house was the place where the neighborhood kids all came to play. And short visits on the back porch turned into hours of just talking together. Sylvia was born on Polish Hill and attended Schenley High School where she met Leo. She graduated from Duff's Business Institute and worked as an executive secretary for Folansbee Steel Company. Sylvia and Leo later moved to Lincoln Place, just two doors down from Sylvia's parents, where, Sunday nights became a tradition of family dinners and Pinochle card games. Sylvia and Leo raised their family there and Sylvia was very active in the community by helping at the Mifflin School PTA, Fun Fair events and school dances. Besides family, Sylvia's other love was to entertain with wonderful homecooked meals and amazing baked goods. She was at home in the kitchen, whether it was preparing authentic Polish delicacies, the world's best vegetable soup or a variety of cookies that soon became favorites at weddings and parties. Sylvia also enjoyed trips to the casino, taking in a Pirates Game at PNC Park or any place else that her family would take her. Family always was first for Sylvia, and her children knew that they were loved.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Sylvester and Victoria Kmieciak, and her husband, Leo. She is survived by her daughter, Maureen Ellis (Gary), and her sons, Walter (Antonietta) and John (Corinne) as well her grandchildren Christopher and Matt (Ellis); Sean, Rachel (Herring), Nathan and Jeremy Wdowiak; and Sarah (Harrity), Kelly and Ethan Wdowiak, and great grandchildren Connor and Charlotte (Ellis); Sarah and Jesper (Ellis); and Lew, Molly, Maebel and Leo (Herring), and Isla.
Family and friends are welcomed on Thursday, March 10, 2022 from 2 to 8 pm at the Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pleasant Hills. A Blessing Service will be held on Friday, March 11, 2022 at 10 am in the Funeral Home's Chapel.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Concordia of Franklin Park, 1600 Georgetown Drive, Sewickley PA, 15143.
Online condolences may be shared at www.jeffersonmemorial.com.
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