With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Natalie Paszek, affectionately known by everyone as “Babcia,” who peacefully entered eternal rest at the age of 97 on July 16.

She lived a life marked by resilience, unwavering faith, endless stories, strong opinions, and, above all, an immeasurable love for her family and friends.

She came to the United States from Gdynia, Poland in 1965 to live in New York City. She was a beautician by trade, and it was not uncommon to see her cutting someone’s hair or giving them a perm in her kitchen. Her granddaughters and great-granddaughters were privileged to have her do their hair, even as recently as a year ago. Babcia moved to Jeffersonville in 1999 following the death of her husband and purchased her first home independently. She made the house a welcoming home to all and was very proud of it. One of her last wishes was to spend some time in her home which she was able to do just two weeks before her passing.

Babcia loved to talk and never met a stranger she didn’t strike up a conversation with. Whether you had known her for years or had just met her, she would make you feel like family with a conversation that often ended in laughter. She especially loved telling stories about growing up during the war - stories of taking shelter in bunkers, surviving unimaginable hardships, and finding strength in the face of uncertainty. Those stories reminded all of us not only of history, but of the strong, remarkable woman she was.

If you ever visited her home, you knew you were going to eat. Feeding people was one of the many ways she showed her love, and she made sure no one ever left hungry. In fact, no one ever left her home without a handful of candy or chocolate tucked into their hand. She always brought chocolates with her whenever she visited the bank, post office or town hall to her favorite people, to show her appreciation. You also knew you had earned a special place in her heart if she stole food from your plate or chased you with a broom. Those playful moments became cherished family memories that will be retold for generations.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Before anyone left her house, she would remind them to bless themselves, and no matter what you were facing, her words were always, “I’ll pray for you.” She believed deeply in the power of prayer and found comfort in knowing that God was always watching over the people she loved.

Babcia was proudly and unapologetically a Republican. She loved classic old movies, faithfully watched Fox News, and never hesitated to share her opinions. During the Biden years, her television probably took more than a few verbal beatings as she passionately commented on the news, something that always brought a smile to those who knew her best.

Above all, she loved her family. She showed that love through home-cooked meals, heartfelt prayers, unforgettable stories, gentle teasing, countless acts of kindness, hugs and a kiss. She was known for her strength, faith, humor, and generosity that shaped the lives of everyone blessed to know her. When her beloved daughter, Elizabeth, passed away she took an enormous piece of Babcia’s heart leaving with her with a broken heart. They had an unbreakable bond. While losing them both leaves an immeasurable void, we find peace in knowing they are together again.

Though our hearts are broken, we are grateful for the 97 years we shared with her. We will carry her stories, her traditions, her faith, and her love with us always. We will think of her whenever we gather around the table, watch an old movie, say a prayer before leaving the house, or hear the words, “I’ll pray for you.”

Babcia leaves behind a family who will miss her dearly but find comfort in knowing her love and legacy will remain in our hearts.

Natalie is survived by her son Stefan Swendrak and his wife Diane of Marlboro, NJ; her daughter Ewa Morawska of Gdynia, Poland. Her grandchildren, Annette Rasmussen and her husband Kris of Youngsville, NY; Michelle Davis and her husband Mike of Taylorsville, NC; Yvonne Semenetz and her husband Gregg of Summerville, SC; Jennifer Kelly and her husband Brian of Howell, NJ; Kristofer Morawski and his wife Ewa of Gdynia, Poland; and Malgorzata Zuczek of Gdynia, Poland. She also leaves behind 14 great-grandchildren, Kristopher and Danielle Rasmussen, Michael and Maverick Davis, Ella and Lucy Semenetz, Cailin and Matthew Kelly, Ashley and Olivia Clark, Agata and Bartek Morawski, Klaudia and Gabriella Zuczek, her two nieces, and many cherished friends and extended family.

She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Paszek, her beloved daughter Elizabeth Jackowski, her beloved granddaughter Melinda Clark and her sister Apolonia Klebba.

Contributions can be made in Natalie’s memory to St. George Catholic Church, PO Box 672, Jeffersonville, NY 12748 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her name.