Edwina R. (Byng) Piaschyk

Mrs. Edwina R. (Byng) Piaschyk, age 83, of Utica, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2009 at the Gilmour Health Care Facility with her family by her side. Born in Port Smith, England on April 30, 1926, Edwina was the daughter of the late George and Rosetta (Barnes) Byng. She was raised and educated in England. On May 2, 1945 she married Frank V. Piaschyk with whom she shared 63 years prior to his passing on December 17, 2008; Edwina and Frank met and fell in love in England during World War II while he was serving in the 1st Division Army. As a young lady, Edwina helped her family by working at her father’s hotel-pub in England. She subsequently was of service to the military during World War II, and some would say that she was deserving of a Purple Heart for the positive and sacrificial actions she carried out. Prior to raising her family, she pursued her vocation as an accomplished opera singer, but refrained from her calling to answer a greater commitment to her family. Knitting, crocheting, and tatting were her hobbies, and flower gardening was her passion. She was active as Choir Director at the West Side Senior Center for many years, and was a member of the Red Hat Society. She was baptized into the faith of the Church of England. Edwina is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Drew and Sandy Piaschyk of Norwich, Eric and Olga Piaschyk of Remsen, and Glen and Marianne Piaschyk of Ilion; her grandchildren, Adrian and Amy Piaschyk of Remsen, Damian and Sabrina Piaschyk of Warren, PA, Rinalda Piaschyk of Orlando, FL, Brian Piaschyk of Manhattan, and Alec Piaschyk of Bar Harbor, ME; and her great-grandchild, Ean Piaschyk of Remsen. Survivors also include her brother, Julian Byng of Port Smith, England; several nieces and nephews with special mention of her niece, June Byng of New Zealand and her nephews, Raymond Byng of England, Geoffrey Byng of Sidney, Australia, and John Piaschyk of TX; and her cousins. She was predeceased by her in-laws, Julian Piaschyk, Edward Piaschyk, Leo Piaschyk, and Vincent Piaschyk. Visitation will be held Saturday (tomorrow) from 1:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a musical celebration and tribute for Edwina which will commence on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation.

Edwina R. (Byng) Piaschyk

April 30, 1926 - August 17, 2009