Obituary of Maureen Kelly Pekarski

Obituary of Maureen (Kelly) Pekarski
 

Mrs. Maureen (Kelly) Pekarski, 89, a resident of Rome NY, passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Rome Health Residential Facility with her loving family by her side.

Maureen was born in Rome, NY, on September 3, 1935, the daughter of Ernestine (Brennan) and John Fox Kelly. She was raised and educated in Rome Public Schools. On January 30, 1959, Maureen was united in marriage with James A. Pekarski, at St. Peter’s Church in Rome, a loving and devoted union of 66 years.

At one time, Maureen was employed by Varflex Corporation, and the Rome City School District.  Maureen was hired by the Rome City School District in September of 1971 and officially retired from the district on January 7, 1992. Remarkably, she continued to serve as a substitute clerical employee through June of 2015.  Maureen and her lifetime friend Jean Wojdyla owned Knit Wits. She treasured her family and friends together in all the activity of her Dean St. home.

Maureen is survived by her loving husband, James A. Pekarski and her five children, Jesse F. (Denise) Armstrong III, of Rome, NY, Kelly (Armstrong) Kohler, of Baldwinsville; Mary Ellen Brockway of Rome; James R. (Jill) Pekarski of Rome; and Robert (Jennifer) Pekarski of Getsville, NY, in addition to a very special sister-in-law Doris Kelly. She has 20 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

Maureen is predeceased by her first husband Jesse F. Armstrong II; son John Pekarski, brother John (Jack) Kelly, sister Carol and brother-in-law Robert Carrier, along with son-in-laws Richard Kohler and David Brockway.

Visitation for family and friends is on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 4 to 7 P.M. at the Strong-Burns and Sprock Funeral Home, 7751 Merrick Road, Rome, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday at 11 A.M. at St. Peter’s Church, Rome. Interment will take place in St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Those wishing to make a donation, in Maureen’s memory, please consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 ST Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105-9959. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Maureen’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Rome Health, especially those on the third floor for the loving and compassionate care they provided.

Fond memories and messages of sympathy may be shared at www.strong-burnsandsprock.com