Josephine T. (Wawrzaszek) Sikora

Josephine T. Sikora, 79 years of age, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, surrounded by her beloved family, at Upstate University Hospital after a brief illness. 

le was overflowing with delicious culinary creations, while family and friends enjoyed each moment together. Times like these always brightened her day and put a smile on her face.

Josephine was predeceased by her husband, Peter Sikora; her parents, Frank and Victoria Wawrzaszek; her brothers Ted Wawrzaszek, Emil Wawrzaszek, and Alphonse Wawrzaszek; her sister Phyllis Roderick; and her great nephew Todd Wawrzaszek.

She is survived by her sons James (Maryann) Sikora , Jeffrey Sikora and Peter Sikora, Jr.; grandchildren Jennifer Sikora and Jimmy Sikora; sister-in-laws Joan Graceffo, Stephanie Wawrzaszek, and Genevieve Wawrzaszek; as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends. 

Josephine will be most lovingly remembered and dearly missed by all those blessed to have known her and had her in their lives.

Josephine was born, raised, and lived in Auburn, NY, until her retirement in 2005, when she moved to Sennett, NY, with her loving husband Peter and son Peter Jr. 

During her entire lifetime, Josephine was known to be a gentle, kind, and loving daughter, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend. She was completely devoted to her family, friends, and St. Hyacinth Church. She graduated from St. Hyacinth Grammar School and Central High School. She worked for General Electric in Syracuse, and retired from Cayuga Community College. Josephine was a member and officer of the Altar-Rosary Sodality at St. Hyacinth Church. She volunteered at the annual church picnic. She was a member of the Polish Falconettes. Her most precious jobs were those of wife, mother and grandmother.

She married the love of her life and best friend, Peter Sikora, on August 18, 1962. She and Peter were happily married for 53 years. She was fortunate to celebrate with family and friends their 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries. She treasured her roles as wife and mother. She and her husband faithfully raised their three sons, James, Jeffrey, and Peter Jr. Her life was centered around her family, always placing their needs and concerns above her own. She enjoyed cooking family meals, baking her sons’ favorite sweet treats, planning family celebrations, and taking family vacations every summer. She cheered for her sons at their sporting events, drove them to Boy Scouts, volunteered as a religious education teacher and room mother, helped with homework, and typed many papers before the age of the computer. She woke her sons up early to drive them to St. Hyacinth Church to serve at Mass. She instilled a deep faith in her sons by setting a proper example in her daily life. Josephine helped care for her son Jeffrey after his snowmobile accident. She was proud when Jeffrey graduated from Oswego State University and Peter Jr. from LeMoyne College. She was filled with joy when her son James was happily married to his wife Maryann, and completely overjoyed at the birth of her grandchildren Jennifer and Jimmy. These two brought the biggest smile to her face, and she immensely enjoyed spending time with them both. She was so proud when Jennifer became a teacher and Jimmy a CPA. She bragged about their accomplishments to anyone who would listen! 

Josephine’s life was also filled with dear family and friends. She spent many Saturday nights at her dear sister-in-law Joan Graceffo’s home playing cards with Joan, “the Girls” Nora, Fran and Sue Graceffo, Peter and Peter Jr. She enjoyed dinner parties, trips, adventures, and evenings filled with laughter with dear friends Monica Bryla, Dick and Ann Bryla, Bert and Paul Tryzinski, Laraine Baran, Barbara and Roger Gunn, and Mona and Al Jackson. She visited cousins Chris, Gladys, and Teddy in Toronto, Canada. She travelled to Florida to visit her sister Phyllis, and cousins David, Elaine, Art and Bea. She spent time on Chateaugay Lake with cousins Bernie and Linda. Josephine travelled to Flower Mound, Texas, to spend time with her niece Ann Marie Martin and her husband Patrick and their son Joseph. She also journeyed to Pittsburgh, PA, to attend family celebrations for her nephew Joe Graceffo, his wife Jennifer and their family. She joined the wedding celebration of her nephew John Graceffo and his wife Sarah in Columbus, Ohio.

Josephine always opened her heart and her home. Her backyard was filled with the laughter of her sons and their friends. Her kitchen was filled with neighbors dropping by for a cup of coffee and a piece of cake. Her home was decorated for each season, Christmas being her favorite. She always helped select and decorate the Christmas tree. Over the holidays, her dining room  tab Calling hours will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday afternoon, June 30, at Heieck-Pelc Funeral Home, 42 East Genesee Street, Auburn. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Frank Lioi at 11 a.m. Monday, July 1, in St. Hyacinth Church, 63 Pulaski Street, Auburn. 

Donations in Josephine’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

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