CARTHAGE- Jean B. Szalach (formerly Gaspa), 85, of Carthage, NY, died peacefully at her home on Thursday morning, April 17, 2025, under the care of her loving husband, Stephen and Lewis County Hospice. Born in Utica, on August 27, 1939, Jean was the daughter of the late Ernest and Mary (Gluchowski) Kennedy. She was raised and educated in Utica, NY.  Jean worked for many years in several Utica Banks.  She also served in the United States Navy Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1986.

Calling Hours will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 4-7pm at the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home located at 518 State Street in Carthage, NY 13619.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, April 25th, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. James Catholic Church located at 327 West St., Carthage, NY 13619. Burial will follow in the Lowville Rural Cemetery, Lowville, NY.

Coming to Carthage in 1985 she married Stephen F. Szalach Sr. She enjoyed her home and loved to bake. She also enjoyed spending time with her husband fishing, hunting, and archery. Jean worked at the Hallmark Nursing Center from April 1998 until August of 2002, as an Activity Assistant.  A job she truly loved, she also volunteered there in many capacities from 1990-present.

She was a communicant of St. James Catholic Church.  She is survived by her husband, Stephen Szalach, Sr., Carthage; two children by previous marriages: Jean Marie Pupa of Utica, John (Wendy) Gaspa of Deerfield; four stepchildren: Jaime (Brian) Talkington of South Carolina, Jill Szalach of Buffalo, Stephen (Jennifer) Szalach Jr. of Virginia and Michael (Hillary) Szalach of Virginia; along with 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; and her 2-brothers-in-laws and their wives, David (Carol) Szalach of Lyons Falls; and Dennis (Dawn) Szalach of West Leyden.  She is predeceased by her son Ernie Massa; her sister, Jackie Kennedy; her sister-in-law, Beckie Bergeron; and her in-laws, Mety & Mary Szalach.

Arrangements are in the care of the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home, memorial contributions may be made to the St. James Catholic Church, 327 West St., Carthage, NY 13619. To leave a condolence, please visit www.bezanillafh.com.