In Memory of Colleen A. Bienkowski (Smith)

Obituary

Colleen A. Bienkowski (Smith)

Connie Bienkowski, 65, passed peacefully into the arms of God on November 5, 2021., with her loving husband, sons and her faithful dog, Belle, by her side. Connie fought like a warrior in her battle.

Connie was born November 25, 1955, the daughter of the late Everett and Lillian (Tormey)Smith. She was raised and educated in Utica, graduating from Utica Free Academy in 1973.

Connie had a big heart and big brown eyes that always lit up the room.

Connie and Tom were high school sweethearts and married on February 15, 1975, they shared a loving union of 46 years. Connie was an incredible stay at home Mom and opened her home and heart to provide daycare to many of her nieces and nephews. Once her boys were grown, she was employed by Faxton-St. Luke’s Hospital.

Connie was predeceased by her father and mother; brothers Mark and Kevin Smith, sister Kathy Lauterbach, brothers-in-law Tim Lauterbach, Glenn Thompson and Daniel Bienkowski, father and mother-in-=law Stanley and Dorothy Bienkowski.

She leaves behind her loving family who will miss her immensely; her loving husband Thomas Bienkowski; her two sons Thomas J. (Michelle) Bienkowski of VA and Christopher S. (Lauren) Bienkowski; her grandchildren Marissa Bienkowski (Billy White), Kaylee Mulligan, Ciara Bienkowski, and Anna and Emma Bienkowski. Her sisters Joanne (Bill) Sharpe, Diane Thomason; her brothers Jim (Liz) Smith, Ken (Terry) Smith, and Brian (Sharon) Smith; her sister-in-law Susan and Jeff Madden, along with several nieces and nephews.

At Connie’s request there will be no calling hours. Her services will be a private family celebration of her life at a later date at St. Joseph – St. Patrick Church.

The family would like to thank Dr. Alicia DeTraglia and staff for their care and compassion at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Cancer Center. A special thank you to Crystal M. from Hospice who helped Connie and her family through this difficult time.

Those wishing to make a donation in Connie’s name, please consider Anita’s Humane Society or the Abraham House.

Online messages of sympathy may be left at www.simplecremationcny.com

Arrangements are with Simple Cremation CNY