Mary S. Swiecki, (Szalach), of Utica, passed away peacefully on September 4, at Presbyterian Home, New Hartford, NY with her loving family by her side. She was 88 years old. Mary was born on August 13, 1928 in Niagara Falls, NY of the late Benjamin and Louise (Barun) Szalach. She graduated from General Martin High School in Glenfield, NY and Utica School of Commerce. She married her beloved Chester Swiecki on May 7, 1949 at Saint Hedwig’s Church in Houseville, NY. Mary worked in the Guidance Office at John F. Kennedy High School and then at Joseph & Feiss. Mary was devoted to helping others and was the first to step forward to assist anyone in need. She was kind, generous, loving and centered in her unwavering Catholic faith. Mary enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, but most especially the time she spent with her grandchildren. Survivors include sons and daughter-in-laws, Robert and Donna Swiecki of Utica, and Michael and Debbie Swiecki of Adams, NY; daughters and son-in-laws, Louise and Scott Zingaro of Richmond, VA and Milissa and Daniel Benincasa of Barneveld, NY; brothers Benjamin Szalach of Houseville, NY; Raymond Szalach and his wife Liz of Watertown, NY; Stanley and his wife Betty of Houseville, NY and sister-in-laws Mary Szalach of Lyons Falls, NY; Rosemary Szalach of Orlando, Florida; seven grandchildren, Craig Swiecki, Taylor Swiecki, Carolyn Swiecki, Grey Benincasa, Austin Benincasa, Danielle Benincasa and Andrew Benincasa; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Chester, her sister Angeline Petrus, and her brothers Joseph, John and Mety Szalach. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Road, North Utica on Saturday, September 10 from 8:30 a.m.– 10:00 a.m. A funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peters Church with Rev. David J. Orzel officiating. Interment will be in the St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Whitesboro. Mary’s family wishes to thank the staff of the Presbyterian Home for the loving and compassionate care she received during her stay. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Presbyterian Home.