Obituary of Amelia Haverlick

Amelia died peacefully at the Horace Nye Nursing Home in Elizabethtown, New York on September 3, 2013 at the age of ninety-nine years old. She had been experiencing declining health since shortly after her 99th birthday which was celebrated with numerous family members in February this year. She was born in Utica, New York on February 8, 1914 to Stella and Walter Nowakowski. She was the third youngest of ten siblings. All of her siblings had predeceased her and she is the only family member to have reached this age. Her parents had immigrated to the United States from Poland in the early 20th century and settled in the Mohawk Valley where they initially lived in Herkimer. They subsequently moved to Westmoreland, New York where her parents ran a very active and productive dairy farm where all family members worked. Amelia attended school until tenth grade, then worked as a Nurses' Aide at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Utica, attended the Utica School of Commerce and worked at Mele Manufacturing for over ten years. In 1938 she married John J. Haverlick, Sr., to whom she remained married to until his death in May, 1981. Afterwards, she had a special companionship with Raymond Moore, who also predeceased her. She is survived by her daughter, Helene Fuller and her husband, Bruce, who reside in Rome, New York and their three children, Lee Griffith (and his children, LeeAndra, Bradlee and Marleena) who reside in Florida, Andy Griffith (and his wife, Sheila and their children, Kiera and Jack) who reside in Maryland and Michele Ricker (and her husband, John and their children, Austin and Brooklyn) who also reside in Maryland. She also is survived by her son, John J. Haverlick, Jr., his wife, Debra Whitson, their two sons, Justin and Noah who reside in Keene Valley, New York and John's adult children, Mako Haverlick (and his wife, Monica and their children, Matthew and Marisa) who reside in Virginia and Naomi Haverlick who resides in Nevada. Amelia loved, cherished and took great pleasure in the accomplishments of not only her two children, but also her seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Her passion in life was her family for whom she cared for and worried about until her dying moments. She was a constant and unconditional support to all of her family throughout her life. She gave generously of her love and affection, her home cooked Polish meals-all made from scratch, her hand made sewing gifts, opened her home to family members, and gave financial support when asked. Most of all she exhibited an amazing ability to persevere where many others have stumbled and fallen. She had incredible grit, a strong will to live, and a tenacious ability to overcome adversity. She was always complimentary of others, never mentioning an unkind word, had a wonderful sense of humor, a kind heart, never complained even when enduring very stressful times and seemed to be able to face life's challenges with grace, determination and hope. She has left an indelible mark on her family and dear friends that will carry on for generations to come. Services are scheduled to be held at the Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Inc, 35 College St., Clinton, New York at 10:00am on Saturday, September 7, 2013 with burial following at St. Mary's Cemetery. After her burial a gathering to celebrate her life will be held at Symeon's Restaurant (a favorite of hers) in New Hartford, New York. The family requests that in lieu of flowers that donations be sent to St. Jude Children's' Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105