Rita L. (Orzel) Begay's Obituary
Rita L. (Orzel) Begay, known as “Gramma B.” 85, of N. Syracuse, joined her husband Michael (Big Mike) in heaven on Sunday, after suffering a recent stroke. She was born in Cheektowaga, N.Y. the daughter of the late John and Clara (Strzelecki) Orzel, and resided in Syracuse most of her life.
Rita was very proud of her Polish heritage, and everyone loved her cooking, especially her homemade Polish foods. Rita and Mike loved to visit the Polish Broadway market in Buffalo, NY and were frequent customers. Both Rita and Mike’s favorite pastime was going to the Sacred Heart Basilica, where they were devout parishioners for over 50 years, and listening to Polish music with family and friends. They will join their best friends, Eleanor & Stanley Kazmirski and will listen to all their favorite polka songs together and polka the night away in heaven.
Besides her parents, Rita was also predeceased by her 2 sisters, Virginia and Theresa.
Rita is survived by her 3 sons, Raymond (Carol) Begay of Liverpool, Michael Begay, Jr. of Liverpool, and James (Lorre) Begay of Camillus; her daughter, Mary Ann Begay of N. Syracuse; 5 grandchildren, Sierra, Michael III, Ashley, Charles and Ryan; 2 great-grandchildren, Arianna and Gavin; her brother, Theodore “Ted” Orzel; along with several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 8:15 A.M. on Friday, December 22, 2017 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Rita’s life at 9:30 A.M. in The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Lakeland. Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at the funeral home, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made in Rita’s name to the Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave. Syracuse, NY 13208.
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