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Virginia Sydeski

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | July 03, 2021

Virginia “Gina” (Malacki) Sydeski, age 94, died in Naples, Florida on May 29th, 2021. She was born in Clairton, Pa. on October 23, 1926, to the late Katherine Drwiega Malacki and Tomas Malacki. She is survived by her brother, Frank Malacki, and her four children, including daughters, Marilyn Johns (Christopher), Joanne Gray (Walt), Adell Cotter (Tim), all of whom reside in Florida, and her son, Raymond J. (Becky) of Minnesota. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Lora Johns, Gregory Johns, Matthew Sydeski (Amber) Jonathan Sydeski, Faith Cotter and great grandchild Emma Sydeski. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia Rae, brother, Lou Malacki, and sisters, Helen Kristan, Josie Petrulak, Hazel Fasekas, and Sister Marilyn Malacki VSC.

Gina’s faith and generous spirit were the hallmarks of her life. Never one to be without a rosary or say a blessing for friends and family, Gina found joy in living life no matter what ailed her. “Life is worth living,” was her constant refrain. Even the attendants at the Assisted Living Home where she resided knew that Gina would offer them a blessing in Polish each time they tended to her, and they waited for it. She was also the consummate fashionista, commenting on the latest trends and hair styles. She and her granddaughter, Faith, watched “Project Runway” weekly, enjoying the latest designs and vigorously commenting throughout. Gina knew what she liked and what she didn’t! Being the sole proprietor of Gina’s Beauty Shop in Clairton for over 60 years, where she styled hair and made life-long friendships, her sense of beauty, and chic trends were always present, even at 94. Gina played scrabble, bananagram, 500, Gin, and tri-ominos daily with her caregivers and daughters, Joanne and Adell, beating them more times than would like to admit. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America; the St. Joseph’s Women’s Club, where she was President for several years; the Italian Sons and Daughters; and the Swedish Club where she and her husband, Ray, danced to the old tunes and polkas. Gina could bowl a good game on the lanes too, finding strikes and spares that were most difficult to make. No great cook in the kitchen, but she was the best baker of pastries, nut rolls, and cookies.Her Christmas cookies were superb, rivaling the best bake shops. Her nut roll recipe was noted for being the best ever, and she shared it whenever asked to do so taking joy in the giving. Her children and grandchildren were her true happiness in life. For them, she prayed and offered whatever she could to help them in their lives. She was tireless in her support, ever saying to them: “What can I do for you?” “How can I help?” “Do you need anything?” “Tell me what you want.” “I love you.” It was unconditional love that she offered time and time again, always ending each conversation with the blessing, “May God, Pope John Paul, and all the angels and Saints bless you and all of your family. Z Bogiem (Go with God)” she would say in Polish. And now we say to you, “Z Bogiem mom. Rest among the angels.” A mass of Christian burial will take place on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 10 AM, at Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish (St. Clare Site) in Clairton. Following the service, she and her husband, Ray, who died in October of 2019, will be interred together in St. Claire cemetery. In life they had over 73 years together, and now they will rest together in eternity.

Originally published July 03, 2021.

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