Obituary of Lucie A. Kwiatkowski

Lucie Ann Kwiatkowski, daughter of Giacomo and Teresa (Cacciotti) Pagliaroli , sister of Josephine Pagliaroli, wife of Joseph C. Kwiatkowski, mother of Terrance J. Kwiatkowski, M.D., passed gently to the Lord on June 11, 2013 at home with her husband and sister at her side. Lucie will always be remembered for her smile, her laugh and her style, but mostly for her love of dancing. She often took trips to Atlantic City with her mom and loved to dance to the 'big bands' of her era, such as Glen Miller and Tommy Dorsey. She danced everywhere she went, she danced all day at home, and she continued to dance well even up to a year before her passing. She was a trendsetter growing up in Olean, always wearing the latest styles and looks - she even introduced 'Bermuda shorts' and other fashion trends to Olean in the 1940's. She was a proud member of the Olean class of '43, where she was a cheerleader, queen of several dances, and a princess in a parade. In a local stage production, she played Mini-Tonka Smallflower, and was well reviewed for her performance. She was also known for her vast record collection, where often the local radio station would borrow her albums to play on the radio. On September 22, 1956, she married Olean baseball and sports legend Joseph C. Kwiatkowski in a colorful ceremony at St. John's Church. She was wearing a silk wedding gown which she designed herself and which was expertly sewn by her mom, Teresa. She carried lilies, which was her favorite flower. Bridesmaids wore dresses of all the colors of the autumn leaves, and her maid of honor was her sister Josephine. In 1964, after 8 years of prayers and novenas to St Jude, she gave birth to her only son, Terrance on October 28, St. Jude's feast day. She believed this to be a miracle, and completely devoted herself to his nurturing. Living in Lewiston, New York she was always involved in Terrance and Joseph's school activities, booster club, and any volunteer work she could do, from room mother to hosting the annual homecoming flower making parties and float decoration. She became an avid golfer and was very active in the women's league at the Niagara Falls Country Club. Her dedication to this country club was well recognized, as she became the first female Marshall of the Porter Cup Amateur Golf Tournament, which was held there annually, and has featured such players as Ben Crenshaw, Tiger Woods, Justin Leonard, and Phil Michelson. She always has enjoyed cooking for her family, and her pasta sauce and meatballs were legendary. When she wasn't cooking, she was gardening in the yard and tending her geraniums, rose bushes and peonies. She continued to do volunteer work at St Mary's hospital in Lewiston, NY. In her spare time, she would go to the casino in Niagara Falls, Canada where she loved to play the slots - especially Wheel of Fortune! In her later years in Henderson, Nevada she continued to enjoy playing the slots at local casinos, and continued to cook, and to dance. In her last years, her primary caregiver was her husband, Joey, who lovingly did everything for her. This brought them both a new closeness and love in the final years of their 57-year marriage. Funeral services will be held at Letro, MacIntosh, Spinks Funeral home with viewing on Sunday evening 6/16/13 from 5pm to 8pm. Funeral services will begin at 9:30 am Monday June 17, 2013 with a prayer services in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. in St. John's Catholic Church. The Rev. Ed Sheedy, pastor, will celebrate. Entombment will be held immediately thereafter in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany, NY, followed by brunch in the clubhouse.