Mrs. Mary F. (Lukaszewicz) Synakowski Ballard

Mrs. Mary F. (Lukaszewicz) Synakowski Ballard, age 90, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 13, 2014 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on March 5, 1924, Mary was the daughter of the late Francis and Stella (Duchnowski) Lukaszewicz. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1942 and the Utica School of Commerce. In 1946 she married Leo Synakowski with whom she shared 14 years until his passing in January of 1960; they were united in their common values and they cherished the blessings of their two children. Mary was blessed with a second union when she wed John Ballard in 1962; they admired one another from their youth, and as chance would have it, they rekindled their love and completed each of their lives through their matrimony. They had beautiful times together and were by each other’s side to the very end. During her working years, Mary was employed by O.W. Hubbell, Inc. as a Cost Accountant. She applied herself in her profession and was admired for her talents. She retired from her position in 1989. On the home front, Mary was a selfless caregiver and was so in tune with her husband, children, extended family, and friends. All who knew her were uplifted to be in her graces. Mary was very proud of her Polish heritage and was fluent in speaking, reading, and writing her ancestral native language. Her culinary skills included traditional Polish foods prepared with love and expertise. Mary was a grand woman in many ways. She was always attired well, attended to her home with great pride, and she was an outstanding mom. She was an avid reader of non-fiction and historical fiction, and the day would not be complete until she solved the JUMBLE Puzzle. She enjoyed crafting and gardening and had a rock garden which she personalized with much foresight. Most treasured were her memories of her travels including four trips to Hawaii, winters spent in Florida, and weekend getaways spent in the serenity of the outdoors. Mary was also computer savvy engaging in e-mail, on-line research, and Facebook. She shared a special bond with her beloved cat, Cassie, who was her pride and joy. Her love for her feline companion was shared by her husband and much joy and affection abounded while they spoiled and played with her. Mary was a devout Catholic and a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church. She was so proud of the works of Pope John Paul II and Mother Marianne Cope, and she prayed the Rosary to her beloved Blessed Virgin Mary. She served as a Eucharistic Minister and her humbling spirituality could be seen as she attended to those who were sick or in need of spiritual uplifting. Mary is survived by her husband, Jack; her daughter, Linda Iannone of New Hartford; and her son and daughter-in-law, Leo and Judee Synakowski of Coxsackie, NY. Always close to her heart was the memory of her son-in-law, Anthony A. “Tony” Iannone, Sr., who preceded her in death on February 3, 2012. She also leaves her step-children, Keith Ballard, and Karen Jones; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her cousins; brother-in-law, Keith Ballard; and a host of friends who enriched her life. She was predeceased by her sisters, Sophie Lukaszewicz and Stephanie Root. The family extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Samson Pachikara and Dr. Thomas Mathew for their many years of kind and devoted concern for Mary. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of floral offerings and in accordance with her love of animals, donations in Mary’s name may be considered to Forgotten Pets Rescue, Inc., Sharon Springs, NY; envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be directed to 6930 State Route 10, Sharon Springs, NY 13459 (yodelingyogi@aol.com). Mary’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. John the Evangelist Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Arthur Hapanowicz. Entombment will follow in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum in Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Mrs. Mary F. (Lukaszewicz) Synakowski Ballard

March 5, 1924 - October 13, 2014