Dorothy Grudzinski Jachim Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

A beloved wife, mother, babci, sister, aunt, godmother and friend, Dorothy Grudzinski Jachim passed away peacefully on May 28 at Iroquois Nursing Home. A lifelong resident of Syracuse, Dorothy was a graduate of St. John’s Catholic Academy and Central City Business Institute. She married the love of her life, Robert Jachim, in June 1959 at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Together, guided by their Catholic faith and Polish heritage, they lovingly raised their family while serving their church and the community. Before starting and raising her family, Dorothy was employed by General Electric Company. She later enjoyed a successful career with Church & Dwight Company in Human Resources, retiring in 2001. She was respected for her extensive knowledge of health care benefits and beloved for her grace and thoughtful kindness in assisting employees and retirees. Elected as president to lead the Sacred Heart Parish Council, Dorothy was also a church trustee, and her commitment, wisdom and grace helped shape the Sacred Heart faith community for many years. She sang with the I.J. Paderewski Choir, holding many different roles to support its efforts. She looked forward to every occasion to sing with the choir, especially for Christmas Eve midnight mass, Easter sunrise service and PSAA choir conventions every three years. She was named an honorary member of the Polish Singers Alliance of America as well as the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America. She was active in professional, church and civic organizations, including the Manufacturers’ Association of Central New York, the Sacred Heart Mothers Club, the Syracuse Polish Community Home, WCNY/Tel-Auc, and the Mulroy Civic Center, where she served as an usher during musical and theater performances. She led English language conversation groups for international students at Syracuse University for many years. She loved attending Syracuse University sporting events with her family, enjoyed the ladies golf league at Pine Grove and cherished time with her Piercefield neighbors, especially the summer cookouts and the progressive and winter dinner parties. Annual trips to Wildwood, NJ with family and friends were very special to Dorothy. Her deep faith, Polish pride, love of music, and meticulous cooking and sewing skills not only touched those who knew and loved her but inspired many of them to embrace that same joy she found in all of these things and in everyday life. Her genuine and gentle kindness was given freely, never expecting anything in return. Dorothy always opened her home and her heart, sharing her warmth, wisdom, humor, and of course her spectacular Polish cooking, creating special memories that will remain forever with all blessed by her unconditional friendship and love. Christmas Eve Wigilia and Easter Sunday brunch were always special to her as these occasions allowed her to gather with special family and friends who were also her family, always welcoming all who visited with open arms. In her final days, she was surrounded by her family and faith—the greatest priorities and joys of her life. She is survived by her sons Mark (Christine) and Christopher Scott (Marianne), daughter Michele Barrett (Scott), grandchildren Timothy, Christopher, Kaitlyn, Courtney and Allison and many special nieces, nephews, family and friends. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 60 years, Robert; her parents, Victoria and Gustav Grudzinski; her step-father, Joseph Slapa; brothers Richard, Sigmund, Leo and Carl Grudzinski and sisters Alice Wleklinski and Freda Cizenski. The family is forever grateful for the extraordinary caregivers at Iroquois Nursing Home--true heroes and angels--who treated Dorothy with incredible care, compassion, respect, kindness and love. There will be no calling hours, and a celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held at a later date. For those wishing to make a memorial gift in Dorothy’s honor, please select a Syracuse/Central New York organization that is meaningful to you.

Dorothy Grudzinski Jachim

May 28, 2022