Mrs. Estel (Herbowy) Kempf

UTICA - Mrs. Estel (Herbowy) Kempf, age 101, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 12, 2017, at the Sitrin Health Care Center. At the time of her passing, she was in the hearts of those she loved. Born in Utica on November 11, 1915, Estel was the daughter of the late Michael and Catherine (Shanayda) Herbowy, proud immigrants from the Ukraine. She was a graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1933. In 1940, she married Raymond A. Kempf and shared with him 36 years in a union graced with mutual love and respect. During Ray’s illness, Estel tended to his needs and remained by his side until his passing on July 10, 1976. As an extrovert, Estel always embraced life with energy. She had two careers, one as a Lab Technician at Marcy State Hospital and second as a clerk for the Utica City Traffic Court from which she retired. Her strong ethic of hard work affected all aspects of her life, and along with her sense of adventure and spirit of curiosity, she experienced an interesting, productive life. She enjoyed engaging in new activities, and she always looked beyond each horizon to find fun with family and friends. Throughout her retirement, Estel enjoyed visiting her grandchildren in Connecticut. Born with a zest for exploration, she drove long distances on old back roads, stopping frequently to shop at country stores and garage sales while worrying her family in the days of no cell phones or GPS. Other travels took her across the United States and throughout Europe, but at travel’s end, her favorite direction was… home. She was proud of Utica, its people and its beauty. Estel also loved to entertain family and friends with a traditional flair for proper table settings and the use of excellent manners and etiquette while hosting her guests. She was an excellent cook especially in the preparing of Ukrainian, Polish, and German dishes. Her graciousness and kindness extended to one and all acquaintances to share her ethnic delights not only on holidays, but year round. Estel’s cumulative experiences made her a wiser woman. As a young woman, she lived through many intense historic interludes including World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II while maintaining a command of her core values and civic-minded duties. She was intensely patriotic to America, and she would stand and put her hand on her heart during any national ceremony including the President appearing on television. She volunteered at election sites promoting the U.S. democratic process and supported local representatives as well as other civic organizations. She loved America, the military (having four brothers who served in WWII), and especially enjoyed her birthday which falls on Veterans Day! Estel had a wonderful life, with no regrets. In earlier years, she spent time at the Polish Community Center enjoying traditional food and music. Being an avid swimmer and a certified Red Cross Life Guard, she would often take a dip and a dive in the Barge Canal or Power Dam. She volunteered and held part time positions at the YWCA, and she made sure that all her children were mindful of water safety and aquatic rules. In her later years, she loved the fun and friendly competition of bingo at the Turning Stone Casino and appreciated the challenge of monitoring numerous cards at once because the game stimulated her mind. As a mother, Estel was at her best. She knew each of her children’s hearts, and she loved them all dearly. She was always available to them with an antidote for whatever ailed them, physically or emotionally. When her grandchildren came along, she was a grand babysitter, and they have great memories of good times spent with Grandma. She passed along to them her hard work ethic and her enthusiasm for achievement in life. When with them, she never wasted a minute and was always busy giving them her advice, “Don’t cry. There’s no time for tears!” Her advice left a lasting impression on her loved ones. Estel is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Arthea Rae Kempf, Terrilynne and William Boling, and Kristine and Steven Pecheone. She was preceded in death by her step-son, Richard Kempf. She will also be missed by her grandchildren, Becky Lynne Walker McNulty, Wendy Walker, Cheryl Lynne Walker, Jennifer Lynne Walker, Grant (Rachel) Walker, Raymond Pecheone, Matthew Pecheone, Joanne Kempf Dzubak, Amy Marie Kempf, and Julie Kempf; her 11 great-grandchildren; her brother and sister-in-law, Henry and Gloria Herbowy; plus an extended family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Clementine and Michael Dennison/Michael Kerchinski, and her brothers and sisters-in-law, Edward and Stefanie (Sadie) Herbowy, John and Mary Herbowy, and Walter Herbowy. The family is grateful to Sandy Gaetano/NP who was a favorite caregiver to Estel and the personnel of the Sitrin Health Care Center/Cedarbrook and Aspen Communities who truly loved Estel’s spirited and outgoing nature and found her to be a pleasure to care for. The family will honor and commemorate Estel’s life at a private time. In lieu of flowers, donations in Estel’s honor may be made to the Sitrin Health Care Center, 2050 Tilden Ave., New Hartford, NY 13413 or online at http://www.sitrin.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mrs. Estel (Herbowy) Kempf

November 11, 1915 - July 12, 2017