Obituary of Rozalia Jankiewicz

Rozalia Jankiewicz died Wednesday, August 9, 2016 at her home in Rock Hill surrounded by family members. She was born to Wojtech and Anna Zaremba on February 21, 1919 near Krakow Poland, and reflected fondly on her childhood with her 5 sisters and one brother. She married Stefan Jankiewicz just before World War II; her youth was jolted when she and her husband, whom she'd recently married, and their family members, were forced from their home and taken to Dachau concentration camp, where unfortunately two sisters did not survive. Rozalia, Stefan and their three remaining children were displaced after the war and lived in Germany for a period of time. After being sponsored they came to America in 1951 and worked for St Vincent De Paul Society at a camp for underprivileged children in Spring Valley, New York. The camp later moved to Rock Hill, New York where Rozalia and Stefan remained caretakers until the camp's closing. While residing in Rock Hill, Rozalia also worked as a seamstress in Otisville. Rozalia and her husband proudly pursued and attained United States citizenship after coming to the United States. In addition to sewing, Rozalia enjoyed quilting, gardening and spending the winters in Florida with her family. She awakened every morning of her life with a sense of purpose, accomplishing incredible feats for a woman of her age until her recent illness. She was predeceased by her husband Stefan, a daughter and 2 grandchildren. She is survived by one sister in Poland, two sons, Stefan Jankiewicz (Pamela) of Niagara Falls and Martin Jankiewicz (Sharon) of Rock Hill, two daughters, Krystyna Boryczewski or Parsippany NJ and Jolanta Geisel of Peekskill, NY, and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, August 11 from 11am to 1pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello; followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Broadway and Liberty Street in Monticello, at 2:00pm with Fr. John Sheehan officiating. Burial will follow at St Peter's Cemetery located on Rock Ridge Road in Monticello. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your local animal shelter. Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com