Arleita Z. Wieczorek

Arleita Z. Wieczorek, 89, of Camillus, having lived a full, generous life of service, entered her new life on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Masonic Care Community in Utica. She was born in Solvay on August 4, 1930 to Violet and Joseph Zamiarski. Active in school and industrious at work, she started working at the young age of 13 for Bryant’s Drug Store in Solvay but was placed on leave until legally rehired at 14. She extended her employment as a nurse’s aide at Good Shepherd Hospital and then at the Community Theater. Many times, Arleita expressed her gratitude for being an employee of Dave Kaplan who helped her discover the richness and beauty of the Jewish heritage not seen in the anti-Semitic society of her youth.

Arleita displayed her talents and congeniality as a lifetime employee of O’Shea’s Religious Gift Shop. In addition, she was recognized for her leadership skills in the ministry at St. Joseph’s Church in Camillus. Arleita conducted the Parish Speakers Program, recruiting nationally-known speakers, organized the parish reading room and lending library, was a member of Voice of the Faithful, supervised the annual Christmas Giving Tree for underprivileged children and the parish garage sale, chaired the committee making sandwiches, arranged all of Msgr. Joseph Champlin’s book signings and managed the Cathedral Gift Shop.

Arleita was a graduate of Solvay High School where she served as class secretary and was honored as class queen. She continued her education at Onondaga Community College.

Arleita was predeceased by her husband of 22 years, Joseph; sister, Delores Pratt; brother, Joseph Gronau; and brother-in-law, Rev. Matthew Wieczorek.

Surviving are her brother-in-law, Ronald Pratt; niece, Melanie Pratt; nephew and wife, Ronald and Mary Pratt and their children, Kate, Chloe and Ronnie.

Relatives and friends may call Thursday, December 12 from 4 to 5 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 5600 West Genesee St., Camillus.

A funeral Mass will be follow at 5 p.m. in the church. Arleita will be laid to rest in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Marcellus.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Unity Acres, 2290 County Route 2, Orwell, NY 13426, CNY SPCA, 5878 E. Molloy Rd., Mattydale, NY 13211, or to a charity of one's choice.