Kathleen A. ‘Kay’ (Szabo) Paciorek
March 27, 2014
KATHLEEN A. KAY (SZABO) PACIOREK of Charlestown, MA, died Thursday, March 27 at the age of 70. She was the wife of Joseph Paciorek for 46 years. Mother of Christopher Paciorek of Berkeley, CA and Andrew Paciorek and his wife, Kate Bowers, of Washington, DC and sister of Alexander Szabo and his wife, Carol, of Elgin, IL. She was born in Brooklyn, NY, to Rose and Alexander Szabo and spent much of her childhood in Danbury, CT. Kay earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at Vassar College and a master’s degree in Mathematics at Northwestern University. She met her husband at Northwestern. Before moving to Charlestown, she lived for many years in Sudbury, MA. She worked in technical, product marketing and project management roles for many years in high-tech, as well as more recently in banking. Remembrances may be made in Kays memory to the Crohns and Colitis Foundation, New England Chapter, 72 River Park Street, Suite 202, Needham, MA, 02494 or to the Vassar College Scholarship Fund, Office of Alumni Affairs and Development, Box 14, 124 Raymond Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604. Services are private.
Kay was one of the first people to welcome me to the Nautica. She was kind, generous, funny and so intelligent. She kept our book club on track for many years. The first time that I hosted the book club, Kay offered to come down a half hour early so that she could help and introduce me to all the ladies. I so appreciated it. We were all blessed to have her in our lives whether for a short time or 49 years.
Lisa McAree
Dear Joe,
Your entry touched me very deeply. How wonderful to be able to say these loving things about Kay. But, you both exuded integrity, honesty, and especially kindness.
I always remember how happy my Mom was to see you & Kay.
I feel empathy for you, not sadness, knowing you will accept that. God Bless you & your family.
Your cousin,
Chris
Anne Greenwood
Ever since Kay and I met when we lived in Strong at Vassar College in 1961 we have enjoyed a lasting friendship. I remember being in awe of her lovely dark hair, her organized approach to everything, playing bridge on the dorm floor after dinner, spending time at her parents’ house in Danbury and so much more. The last year of college when 5 of us roomed together in Main was special, and we all participated in planning our weddings and attending each others. When my mother passed away Kay and Ellen came to Maine for her memorial service (2009) and helped with so many things. I looked forward to and enjoyed her Christmas news every year. Kay made sure we never lost touch, and so, as Joe says, we never will. I give thanks for the gift she was to me and to the world.
Too soon gone.
Anne
I hope no one is feeling bad for me, because I’ve been very lucky. It was something like a miracle for me just to have met Kay, and then for almost 49 years, to have her as my best friend, my confidant, my advisor, and so much more. She gave me confidence, abided my sense of humor, and kept me grounded. I wouldn’t trade those years for 100 with anyone else. They just ended too soon. Anyone who knew her, and who was aware of her integrity, honesty, and decency, should be grateful that they made her acquaintance, or counted her as a friend. I am, and I always will be.
Joe