Jean R. Wojdyla, 88, of Rome, NY passed away peacefully on November 20, 2018 at Bethany Gardens, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Rome, NY on May 19, 1930, the daughter of Thomas and Catherine Jones Rowlands. Jean was a graduate of Rome Free Academy. On April 23, 1949, she was united in marriage to Leonard Wojdyla in Transfiguration of Our Lord Church, a loving relationship of nearly 65 years, until his passing on January 25, 2014.
Jean was a member of the New York Telephone Pioneers volunteer organization, American Ukrainian Club Women’s Auxiliary, Frank J. Steczko Post Women’s Auxiliary, and Rome Memorial Hospital TWIGS. Jean worked in the business office at the New York Telephone Company retiring in 1984. Jean loved to knit and was co-owner of the yarn shop KnitWits, with her lifelong best friend Maureen Pekarski. Jean also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and watching their sports and activities. Jean was a special person in so many ways. She had a ready smile for and made a connection with anyone she met. Her spirit and influence will remain forever in the lives of all that knew her.
Jean is survived by three sons, Thomas and Wendy, Rome, NY Michael and Glory, Saratoga Springs, NY and Len "Steve" and Christine, Rome, NY; eight grandchildren and their spouses and partners, Kara (Wojdyla) and Bo Pritchard, Elizabeth (Wojdyla) and Dean Domenico, Thomas and Cara Wojdyla, Cody and Katie Wojdyla, Cali (Wojdyla) and Drew Carleton, Sara Wojdyla and Jason Sulley, Loren Wojdyla and James Whitelaw, and Dylan Wojdyla; ten great-grandchildren Seren, Joseph, Michael, Hunter, Juliette, Nova, Ethan, Landon, Christian, and Alexa along with several nieces and nephews; also two sisters-in-law, Mary Brockway, Rome, NY and Gladys Wojdyla, Scottsdale, AZ and a brother-in-law Jim Masucci, North Port, FL.
She was predeceased by sister Elizabeth (Don) Muttillo, brother Arthur (Roberta) Rowlands.
The family would like to thank the Pekarski Family for their love, support, and friendship throughout the years.
A time of remembrance and memorial will be held at the at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, Rome, NY on Monday, November 26th from 12-2pm. Burial will be in Rome Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter, 441 West Kirkpatrick Street, Syracuse, NY 13204-1305.