Obituary of Ksenia Szpak Guzelak

Ksenia Szpak Guzelak, 84, of Syracuse, passed away on Friday at St. Joseph's Hospital in the loving embrace of her husband. She was born in Komancha, Ukraine. Her family immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island in 1950 as refugees from a war torn Europe. At an early age her character showed strength. In meeting her husband, she found a life partner who understood her and matched both her strength and faith. They created a life devoted to their 6 children, their family, their faith and their church community. Her grace, humility, generosity and kindness, were reflected in her daily life of contentment and gratitude. Many lives were touched by her hospitable heart. She was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, a member of the Apostleship of Prayer and the Mother's Club. She retired from the Westhill Central School District where she worked at the Cherry Road Elementary School as the Food Service Supervisor for 17 years. She was predeceased by her son Andrij Guzelak, Jr. who died in 2019 and her parents Stefan & Julia Szpak who died in 1986. Surviving to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 64 years Andrij Guzelak, two daughters, Maria (Clem) Ciccarelli of New Cumberland, PA. and Xenia (Patrick) Becher of Oneida, NY., three sons, John (Jean) Guzelak of Granby, NY., Joseph (Andrea) Guzelak of Burlington, VT. and Peter (Jennifer) Guzelak of Cicero, NY. She is also survived by two brothers, Wasyl (Margie) Szpak of Harlingen, TX. and Peter (Theresa) Szpak of Ft. Myers, FL. Also survived by her daughter in law Nancy Guzelak of Memphis, NY., fourteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Sunday December 19, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Macko-Vassallo Funeral Home, 1609 W. Genesee St, Syracuse. The Apostleship of Prayer will recite the Rosary at 3:30 pm and the Panakhyda Service will be held at 6:00 pm Sunday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held on Monday December 20, 2021 at 10:00 am in the St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church and burial will follow in the St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 207 Tompkins St. Syracuse, NY 13204. Please sign the funeral home online guest book to express your sympathy to the Guzelak family.