Mrs. Jean A. (O'Donnell) Sadlik

UTICA - Mrs. Jean A. (O’Donnell) Sadlik, age 89, passed away on Sunday, July 15, 2018, at the Masonic Care Community of NY with her loving and devoted family by her side. Born in Utica on June 5, 1929, Jean was the daughter of the late Michael H., Sr. and Alice M. (Crandall) O’Donnell. Raised and educated locally, she attended Utica Free Academy. On July 18, 1953, she married Anthony “Tony” Sadlik, with whom she shared a blessed union of 34 years until his passing on August 26, 1987. Their love for one another and their family was always so evident and cherished by all. Jean worked as an assembler at the General Electric Company’s Radio/Receiver plant. However, she most treasured being a crossing guard for the Utica City School District, where she was assigned to Albany Street School and St. Agnes School, becoming one of the longest tenured crossing guards until her retirement in 1994. She loved watching over children, and was protective of their coming and going at each intersection every day – they all made her life fulfilling. She particularly took great pride in being a working mom, yet arranging her schedule so she could be the best mother to her children. Throughout her life, she made sure to instill many important values in her children who have passed those same values down to their own children. Jean was a woman ahead of her time. She loved politics, and the Ralph Romano Show was a great vehicle for her to voice her opinion on community concerns. As both President and Vice President of the Utica City School District Crossing Guard Association, she enthusiastically attended school board meetings to address issues in relation to her job as a crossing guard. In her later years, she stayed up to speed on national issues and current events by watching Nightly News with Tom Brokaw and Larry King Live – her two favorites. Endowed with exceptional cooking and baking skills, Jean cooked up delicious meals and confectionary treats, especially cheesecake and cookies for weddings and showers. Although she was Irish, she often prepared Polish and Italian cuisine and hosted holidays where all were welcome to partake in the multi-course, internationally inspired dinners she made with a dash of love. During the summer, the family camp at Hinckley Lake was a special, serene place to gather. In her youth, she was a skilled roller-skater and loved to watch a movie in the city’s renowned theater. She also was a lifelong fan of crafts and ceramics. Reflectively, Jean’s greatest accomplishments lie in the joys and love she received from her children and grandchildren – they remained faithfully by her side to the very end and admired all of what life presented to her. She practiced her Catholic faith as a communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Jean is survived by her children and their loved ones, Anthony “Tony” Sadlik of Whitesboro, Glenn Sadlik of North Carolina, Karen and John Kaleta of Oriskany, and Patricia “Patty” Sadlik of Deerfield; her grandchildren, Paul Sadlik, Matthew and Rachael Sadlik, Kaitlin Sadlik, Michelle and Matthew Sreca, Shaun Kaleta, and Danielle and Michael Sreca; her great-grandchild, Caiden; and the anticipated arrival of a second great-grandchild in September. She will also be remembered by her sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Jack Zogby of Utica; in-laws, Betty O’Donnell and Josephine O’Donnell; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and her dear friend and daughter Karen’s mother-in-law, Janina Skora, with whom she shared many wonderful years. She was predeceased by her brothers and sister-in-law, Michael and Phyllis O’Donnell, and Gordon O’Donnell; her sister and brother-in-law, Constance “Connie” and William Crawford; and her in-laws, Pauline and Fortunato “Fritz” Cognetti, Gladys “Ida” and Peter Ficchi, and Charles and Wanda Sadlik. The family extends their appreciation to Dr. Guy Wilcox, Dr. Kevin McCormick, and the staff of Advanced Wound Care in New Hartford, all strong advocates for Jean and her family. The family also thanks the staff of the Monroe Household at the Masonic Care Community, especially Donna, Alija, Tawana, Tammy, and Susie, all special caregivers who tended to Jean with love and respect. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Jean’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. Interment will follow graveside in St. Stanislaus Cemetery.

Mrs. Jean A. (O'Donnell) Sadlik

June 5, 1929 - July 15, 2018