Obituary of Crystal (Terrance) Arriaga

      On Wednesday, the afternoon of May 10, 2023, Crystal (Terrance) Arriaga took her last breath.

     Crystal was born, November 13, 1981, in Ogdensburg, NY the daughter of Cindy (Thomas) Hamlin. Crystal was raised by her maternal grandmother, Shirley (Clark) Thomas in Massena, NY. At 54 years old, her grandmother passed away and upon her grandmother’s death, Crystal remained in Massena with her uncle, Dell Thomas and his wife Sandra. Crystal then moved with her aunt, Star (Thomas) Saponaro to Utica, where she shared a new home with her aunt Star, Uncle James (Jim), cousin Chante Saponaro and Alice Saponaro whom she referred to as Grandma Alice. Crystal enjoyed spending time with her uncle Victor Thomas, who preceded Crystal’s death at the tender age of 29. Crystal also developed a special relationship with Jacqueline (Jackie) and Santo (Tony) Garro, who became family to all of us. Crystal was married and divorced/widowed to Koma Arriago. Crystal has since shared a home with Robert (Bobby) Szewczyk since 2021. Bobby and Crystal were engaged and planned to marry when Crystal fell ill. Crystal and Bobby were both employed with the National 1 cleaning Company. Crystal was known for her outspoken personality and outstanding work ethic. She enjoyed fishing and going out with Bobby on their boat. She also enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino. The last couple of months of her life were spent mostly in bed, where she loved watching crime shows. Crystal fought a year long courageous battle with colon cancer. She spent the final days of her life at Siegenthaler Center (Hospice home). During her short stay there, she was accompanied by her aunt Star, and her fiancé Bobby, as well as her dear friend, Jennifer. Crystal shared a very special bond with her aunt Star and referred to her as her second mom.

     Crystal is survived by her mother, Cindy (Thomas) Hamlin and her stepfather, Norman Hamlin; her aunt, Star; her sister, Misty (Terrance) Hyde and her husband, Bill; and her sister, Alisha Garro. In addition, Crystal is survived by her cousins, Chante’ Saponaro and Jose’ Garcia, Jr, Adrian and Natalie Hyde, Zoe Countryman, Sophia and Nicholas Coluzzi, Amariano Walker, Carina and Bella Buttacaroli, Amanda, Tyler and Todd and her uncle, Delland and Sandra Thomas.

     Crystal’s family extends their heartfelt thanks to Hospice and the wonderful nurses that cared for Crystal. Thank you, Irene, LPN, for the love and tenderness you gave to Crystal. Thank you, Jennifer Roman for the love and compassion you gave to me (Star) and Crystal during her last few days of life. Thank you, Misty, Crystal’s sister, for being there for your sister when she needed you the most. Thank you, Brian Capuana, for being my (Star) Rock during this difficult time and thank you to my friends that were there for me when I was unable to speak and cried inconsolably.

      Visitation for family and friends is Monday, May 15, 2023, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica, followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the conclusion of visitation.  Crystal’s ashes will be joined with her infant sons after her cremation.

     Those wishing to donate in Crystal’s memory, please consider Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413.