Crystal J. (Kennedy) Wedgren

Mrs. Crystal J. (Kennedy) Wedgren, age 50, passed away on Friday, February 22, 2013 at the Siegenthaler Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on March 25, 1962, Crystal was the daughter of the late Leonard and Theresa (Sherman) Kennedy. She also knew the love of her step-father, George Baker, who passed away in 1985. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. On May 23, 1999 she married Herman C. Wedgren, Jr. who passed away on November 29, 2010; the couple shared the joy of love. At one time, Crystal worked as an assembler in manufacturing, a cashier at Chanatry’s, counselor at the St. John’s Summer Program, and a volunteer for the after school 4-H Program and the Mother’s Group at St. Johns. An altruistic woman, she humbly sacrificed and put the needs of others before her own. Her maternal intuition and generous deeds defined her character. She was a technological whiz and was able to take a computer apart and reassemble it. When she was able to, she enjoyed spending her time creating handmade arts and crafts. She had a weakness for collecting wolf figurines, a hobby she shared with her husband. She was a communicant of Historic Old St. John’s Church. Crystal is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sherra and Trey Hubbard of Utica; her sons and daughters-in-law, Raymond and Holly Finch of West Winfield, James and Dana Finch of Utica, Matthew Finch of West Winfield, Travis Wedgren, and Dakota Wedgren, both of Utica; her grandchildren, Amadia, Janarious; Ayden, Sasia, Devyn, Donte, Quincy, and the anticipated arrival of her grandson; and her companion, Daniel Alamond. She also leaves her sisters and brothers-in-law, Anna and Gary Ebare of FL, Cora DeRocco of Utica, Evangeline Slate and Alex Rivera of FL, and Lillian Mazurowski and Gary Cosimeno, of Utica, and Dawn Harrelson of NC; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Leonard and Sandra Kennedy of Utica, Howard and Sally Kennedy, and John and Marilyn Kennedy, all of FL; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Hank and Marie Wedgren, and Jack Hamm; and her canine companion Little Wolf. A testament to her life is her many dear and cherished friends, especially Kathy and Robert Smith. She was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Harold C. and Judy Kennedy; her nieces, Rachel Kennedy, and Sara Kennedy; great-nephew, Michael Robert Slate; in-laws Francis Mazurowski, Joseph P. DeRocco, and Michael R. Dover, Sr; and Sister Mary Teresa who had a great influence in Crystal’s life. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., the staffs of Dr. Alicia DeTraglia and Dr. Julie Betro-Shkane for their professional care, and the Historic Old St. John’s community for their uplifting spiritual intercessions. Visitation will be held Saturday afternoon from 12:30-2:30 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Crystal’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Rev. John Buehler officiating the ceremony.

Crystal J. (Kennedy) Wedgren

March 25, 1962 - February 22, 2013