Wilton, NY – Palmyra D. Weliczka died peacefully at Maplewood Manor Monday, January 23, 2012. Myra was 94, lived a wonderful life, was cherished by and cherished those whose lives she touched. She was a kind and gentle soul with the singing voice of an angel and continued singing until she passed away.
Myra was born December 2, 1917, in Utica, NY, the eldest child of the late Matthew and Anna Dylis. She graduated from Utica Free Academy and the Utica School of Commerce. She was employed as an employment counselor for the N.Y.S. Department of Labor and took particular pride in administering exams and counseling high school students. Myra married her husband, Joseph, September 28, 1946, and spent most of her adult life residing in Herkimer, NY, where she was an active member of the St. Joseph’s Church choir, Rosary Society and several other civic and social organizations. As a young adult, she was ahead of her time being the first woman in her family to go beyond a high school education, drive a car and have a career while raising and caring for her family.
Myra retired primarily so that she could spend more time visiting and nurturing her grandchildren. She was known as Grandma to her family and friends and her last unofficial job was working at her grandchildren Michael and Lauren’s campground in the store and miniature golf course. At the campground she was affectionately known as “Grandma” by young and old alike. One of Myra’s greatest joys and satisfactions was in watching her grandchildren grow, mature and become productive citizens-she was a great role model!
In addition to her parents, Myra was predeceased by her husband, Joseph; brothers, Matthew, Wytol (Vit) and Raymond; sisters-in-law, Anna Bendzunas, Rose Hutchinson, Betty and Martha Weliczka and Eve and Marie Dylis.
Myra is survived by her son, Kenneth F. (Mary Ellen) Weliczka; grandchildren, Kenneth J. (Jennifer), Michael (Lee) and Lauren; great-granddaughters, Abigail, Emma and Anika Weliczka; and several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends may call from 4 -7 p.m. Sunday, January 29, 2012, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, (518) 584-5373.
The family will receive family and friends from 9-10 a.m. Monday, January 30, 2012, at The Church of Sts. Anthony & Joseph, 228 South Main St., Herkimer, NY, (315) 823-3410. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in the family plot at St. George’s Cemetery, Whitesboro, NY.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Maplewood Manor for the kind care given to Myra.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
