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May 2, 1928 - Nov. 2, 2023
After an amazing 95 years, Eunice Rebe Kwasniewski passed away on Nov. 2, 2023, with her children and loved ones by her side.
Eunice was born May 2, 1928, in Ava, New York, to the late Herbert and Grace Rebe. She graduated from West Leyden School and attended Becker Junior College in Worcester, Massachutes. After graduation, Eunice worked as a secretary for the U.S. Naval Department in Washington, D.C.. She returned to Ava, New York, and married Joseph Charles Kwasniewski on Oct. 6, 1951.
Eunice and Joe settled in West Leyden, New York, and started their family. Along with being a wonderful cook, wedding cake designer, gardener, homemaker and mother of five, she worked for Revere Copper and Brass, and the family-owned sawmill, JC Lumber Company.
The saying 'behind every great man is a great woman' is true with Eunice. She was a vital part of Joe's local and state political campaigns. She was involved with her children's hobbies; school, church. community events and volunteerism.
An active member of the West Leyden Volunteer Fire Department Women's Auxiliary, Eunice organized many Polish dinners and dances to raised funds. Eunice and Joe were strategic in bringing the New York State Woodsmen's Field Days to Boonville.
They gave continual support to many hardwood and lumber associations in both New York and West Virginia. In 1977 the family moved to Mabie, West Virginia, to construct and operate a new sawmill after a fire destroyed the New York mill. West Virginia became her new home.
For 38 years they were inseparable, until Joe's unexpected passing in 1985.
Through her determination and hard work, she brought their vision to reality and Eunice established the Cardinal Inn Bed & Breakfast in Huttonsville, West Virginia. For more than 28 years, The Cardinal Inn hosted gatherings, holiday parties, bridge clubs, weddings and overnight stays for hunters, fishermen, dignitaries and guests from around the world. Eunice served as president of the Potomac Highlands Council, an adviser to the West Virginia Tourism Commission, and a member of the West Virginia State Bed & Breakfast Association. In her later years, she worked at Stone and Thomas in Elkins during the holiday seasons, and volunteered at both Davis Memorial Hospital and ERCC's gift shops.
She is preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Leo and Marge Rebe; and an infant brother. She is survived by Herbert Kwasniewski (Pamela) of Beverly, West Virginia; and four grandchildren, Haley, Amber, Matthew and Michael; Joanne Kwasniewski-Ritter (Rick) of Forestport, New York; and three grandchildren, Emily, Joseph and Andrea; Andrea Kniffen (William) of Beverly, West Virginia; and two grandchildren, Desire and Dustin; Daniel aka 'Beander' (Julia) of Elkins, West Virginia; and one grandchild, Dalton; and Regina Chambers (Kevin) of Boonville, New York; and two grandchildren, Gavin and Grace.
She was blessed to love and hold her 17 great-grandchildren (3 more on the way) Chiron, Evelyn, Stella, Grant, Polson, Ava, Stanley, Anderson, Regan, Paycee, Hadley, Axton, Elsie, Emma, Chase, Coy, Claire and Preston. Eunice shared her love of knitting by making blankets, hats, scarves, and mittens for all of her children.
She would say her greatest accomplishment was her children.
The Kwasniewski family is incredibly grateful for Eunice's caregivers at Mountain Hospice, Mountain Care Living, and the staff at Davis Memorial Hospital. Special gratitude to Natalie Kniffen, granddaughter, for her nursing care during Eunice's final days.
In keeping with her wishes there are no calling hours. A mass of Christian burial will be held at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, West Leyden, New York, Tuesday, Nov. 7. Burial will immediately follow with graveside service at Saint Mary's Catholic Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Randolph Funeral Home, Valley Bend, West Virginia, and Trainor Funeral Home, Boonville, New York.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Beander's Restaurant, Elkins, West Virginia, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the West Leyden Fire Department, 1046 State Route 26, West Leyden, NY 13489.