Agnes S. (Szczespanski) Astour

Mrs. Agnes S. (Szczespanski) Astour, age 86, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 11, 2010 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the love and support of her family. Born in Utica on July 15, 1923, Agnes was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary (Potoczla) Szczespanski. Raised and educated in Utica, she attended Utica Free Academy. On November 3, 1946 she was joined in marriage to Andrew K. Astour with whom she shared 55 years prior to his passing on June 4, 2002. To the blessing of this union came a family life that enabled Agnes to embrace a traditional lifestyle as a wife and mother and provide a home befitting of her family. Agnes was a woman who devoted herself to her husband and children. She could best be fondly remembered for her meticulous nature and her classic attire. She used particular care in decorating and organizing her home, both inside and outside. Agnes shared a ‘best friend’ relationship with her daughter, Mary Ann, and as most good mothers, she “adored her son” and felt extremely blessed to have a thoughtful daughter-in-law. She truly put her heart and soul into loving her children and cherished all the time she spent with her grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling and lived in the moment while watching the scenery change. She also took pleasure in playing games of chance, the challenge of putting together jigsaw puzzles, crafting in her ‘simple, yet elegant style’, watching classic movies, reading novels of romance and mystery, and she always enjoyed the sound of “hearty laughter“. Daily prayer was a vital part of her life which sustained her, and she practiced her faith at St. Basil’s Melkite Catholic Church. Agnes is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann Astour of Utica; and her son and daughter-in-law, Andrew G. “Andy” and Robin Astour of Marcy. Always close to her heart was the memory of her infant son, James, who preceded her in death. She also leaves her adored grandchildren, Kayleigh M. Astour, and Tyler R. Astour. Survivors also include her sister, Jeanette Krol; her brother, John Sepanski; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Stanley Szczespanski; and her in-laws, Stanley Krol, Anne Sepanski, Margaret and Albert Casab, Edward Astour, Mary Astour, and Alice and James Nassimos. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Emergency Room and Special Care Unit; each staff member offered personal attention to details and provided compassionate care and affectionate touches. The family also wishes to thank Msgr. Julian Eliane and Deacon Dan Klockowski for their prayers and spiritual remembrances. The wishes of Agnes were for her family to gather privately to honor her life. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral service and Celebration of Agnes’ Life which will be held on Tuesday morning at 11:00 at St. Basil’s Melkite Catholic Church, 901 Sherman Drive. The Rev. Jean Ghaby and Deacon Dan Klockowski will offer her Divine Liturgy, and the family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Agnes’ honor to the American Heart Association; envelopes will be available at the service. Entombment will take place privately in Calvary Mausoleum. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Agnes S. (Szczespanski) Astour

July 15, 1923 - June 11, 2010