Obituary of Florence Marie Kowalchuk

Brasher Falls – After a long life devoted to family, friends and community, Florence Marie Kowalchuk, 90, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 29, 2014, at her home in Brasher Falls. She was surrounded by members of her family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Marie was born on December 8, 1923, in Pyrites, NY, daughter of the late Ira and Eunice (Misner) Hinsdale. She attended school in Rensselaer Falls and, after graduation from secretarial school, worked as a secretary at ALCOA in Massena. She married Michael P. Kowalchuk, Jr. on October 11, 1947, at St. Mary's Rectory in Massena, with the Rev. Earl Nichols officiating. Together they shared their love, respect and commitment to their family for 57 years, until Michael's passing on May 11, 2005. A spirited woman, Marie was truly a gem of her generation, speaking her mind and sharing her knowledge with anyone who would listen. She took pleasure in reading, cooking, watching Syracuse and Duke basketball and Yankees baseball. She found peace watching the birds and squirrels from the large picture window overlooking the St. Regis River. Marie was true to her faith and a devoted communicant of St. Patrick's Church. She loved all children and cherished the time spent babysitting her own grandchildren and her Stubbs-family "granddaughters," who called her "Gramma Rie." Marie is survived by her children: son Peter and Karen Kowalchuk of Aurora, CO; daughter Mary Kowalchuk of Brasher Falls; daughter Sue and Donald Whitmarsh of Unadilla, NY; daughter Kristina Kowalchuk ofPotsdam; son Daniel and Marijude Kowalchuk of Downingtown, PA; and son Timothy and Linda Kowalchuk of Montoursville, PA. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Always close to Marie's heart was the memory of her late son, Patrick M. Kowalchuk, Sr., who preceded her on November 14, 1993. She also was preceded by two brothers, Frederick Hinsdale and Ira Hinsdale, Jr., and one sister, Sue Kurpiewski. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 2, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Marie's Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church in Brasher Falls. Burial will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Brasher Falls. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Marie's memory to Tri-Town Rescue Squad, PO Box 238, Brasher Falls, NY 13613; Brasher-Winthrop Fire Dept., PO Box 11, Brasher Falls, NY 13613; St. Jude Children's Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101; or Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US Hwy 11, Potsdam, NY 13676. Memories and condolences can be shared with her family at www.hammillfh.com.