In Memory of Greschen Cvetkovic

Obituary

Greschen Cvetkovic
1948 - 2021

 I fought long and I fought hard, but my battle with cancer ended on October, 22, 2021 surrounded by my husband and children.

I was born in Utica on March 10, 1948 to William and Joan Williams. I grew up in New Hartford and attended New Hartford High School (Go Spartans!!) and graduated with a BFA/MA from Syracuse University.

At SU I fell for the hunky captain of the basketball team, Paul Piotrowski, and we were married for 25 years. Although that marriage ended in divorce, it produced the most wonderful children anyone could ever ask for.

I was an art teacher for many years in the Syracuse area and Whitesboro School District for various grades K-12. After having my children, I continued to substitute and retired from teaching when the kids' social/school/sport lives became a full-time job that needed a full-time stay-at-home mom.

Katie-who shares my love for holiday's, especially Halloween and is creative minded and her talented hands make amazing creations just like mine.

Karin-my compassionate hearted child who has a love for people and the gift of talking to anyone, anywhere, just like me.

Ken-my easy going, go with the flow, in no hurry son, who shares a love for our country, as I do.

On June 11, 1997 I married a man who swept me off my feet, Thomas Cvetkovic, that I spent the rest of my life with. We shared a love for the ocean, fishing and camping with our friends.

I cherished my grandchildren, Tyler, Tessa and Talia Nash. Christopher, Nicholas, and Brynn Vennero. Alexis Piotrowski. I would hold each hand, kiss each booboo and take all the hugs and kisses I could get. I was also the doctor for the wounded stuffed animals who needed stitching up. I watched with pride as my children took care of their own families in the same spirit I cared for mine. I raised my children to be confident, independent and respectful and am so proud of each of them. Huge hugs and love to Kate's fiance Steve Pietrowski and Karin's husband Ben Vennero, whom both, I love so much. I also have a special love for Tom's daughter Danielle and her beautiful family, husband Joseph and their children Asher and Autumn who I adored.

I loved working in my garden, I loved the color cornflower blue, I loved lipstick on my lips, I loved EVERYTHING! Always a believer of the Supernatural, hopefully you will all feel my presence. I feel that I always found the bright side to every moment in life and always tried to have a smile on my face.

I was predeceased in death by my generous and loving parents and my big brother David.

I will miss everyone but there is a special place in my heart for my very best friend Gina and my Village Floral family-Tracy, Corinne, Mary G, Debbie, Jim, Margaret, Joyce, Marilyn & Dennis, Cindi & Phil.

I am now at peace and plan on having a couple shots of Vanilla Dr McGillicuddy. When you read this, have a shot with me!!

We thank Hospice for the exceptional care and love they showed our mom in her final days. Especially Georgia and Irene.

Calling hours will be on Thursday, October 28th 5-7pm at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral Home 13 Oxford Road, New Hartford NY. Please wear BRIGHT HAPPY COLORS!! Please bring happy memories, hugs and smiles. Tears are ok too. Although I worked with flowers for years, I would much rather give than receive. Instead of flowers please donate to the Steven Swan Humane Society where I found my most beloved pups Bo and Duke.

From the family: Greschen/Mom's love warmed everything, like rays of sunshine. She was a free spirit full of life and vitality. She will always be loved and truly missed by anyone who had the pleasure of ever knowing her.