Annie Pacylowski died peacefully at her home in Falling Waters, WV on May 20, 2018. She was 96. She had been in failing health since the death of her husband of 76 years, John Peter Pacylowski, Sr., on March 1, 2018.

Born September 21, 1921, Annie was the daughter of the late Frank Gordzica and Caroline (Sociewicz) Gordzica. Annie and John had three sons: Peter John Pacylowski, John Peter Pacylowski, Jr., and Edward John Pacylowski. The couple had four daughters: Roseann Pacy, Susan Louise Gawler, Priscilla Ann Armer, and Peggy Ann Oyarzo.

Annie was known for saving family artifacts, repairing and reconstructing items to extend their usage, and the overall frugality that came from growing up during The Great Depression. One of these artifacts, stored carefully in a box with other treasures, is a love note that Annie wrote to John while he was away in World War II:

“My One and Only One. Dear Johnny, Never on this earth could there be another you. My love for you will live as long as I live. My love for you will be eternal love, Dearest to my heart. Let us never forget our first kiss – that is when we really knew we were in love. I love you my Johnny so very much. Love me always as I love you. Forever yours, Ann”

The note was written on the back of a portrait sketched of John during his service from 1943-1945 in the US Army 90th Infantry Division, Company D, 315th Medical Battalion. He served in the June 6 D-Day invasion on Utah Beach, Normandy, as well as battles in Northern France, Ardennes-Alsace, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He was in Czechoslovakia when the war in Europe ended. He had sent the portrait to his wife, Annie, so she would remember him. She sent it back to him with the love letter inscription as reassurance that she could never forget.

Annie’s devotion to her Johnny and their seven children was expressed through the simplicity of warm, delicious Polish food; the energy and enthusiasm it took to care for and pass-down important, practical skills like cooking, ironing, and using herbs to their 23 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren; and the tenderness of demonstrating a loving relationship and living to show generations of family that love truly does rise above social conventions that could otherwise hold us back from living a full and rewarding life.

Annie and John shared a loving cottage provided by their daughter and son-in-law, Priscilla and Eric Armer, as well as daily care and support by daughters Priscilla, Susan and Peggy. Up until the end of their lives, the couple welcomed visitors to their home, shared a meal and hand-crocheted gifts, and exchanged knowing glances as children, great-grandchildren and pets filled their home with activity.

Annie is remembered for her love of gardening and birds, her enjoyment of (and patience with) jigsaw puzzles, and her faith in God. Known as Baba to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Annie was generous with her time and kept careful records of family marriages, birth dates, etc. in a notebook now reference by her granddaughter, Lori, who keeps up with family details, as listed below with spouses (including step grandchildren and great-grandchildren):

Children:
• Peter / Sharon
• Roseann
• Susan / Jack
• John Jr. / Sun
• Edward / Gail
• Priscilla / Eric
• Peggy

Grandchildren:
• Amy
• Anita / Hernan
• Bonnie
• Carolyn
• Christina / Ryan
• CJ / Maria
• Connie / AJ
• Dawn / Steve
• Eric Jr.
• James / AmiKay
• Jessica / Lee
• John / Jessica
• Joseph
• Kevin Jr. / Lauren
• Laura / Celia
• Linda / Ryan
• Lisa / Sam
• Mary
• Michael / Dierdre
• Michelle / Russell
• Richard Jr. / Misty
• Steven / Brenda
• Tracy

Great-grandchildren:
• Avery
• Berenice
• Blake
• Brendan
• Brooks
• Cameron
• Chase
• Damian
• Delaney
• Destani
• Diego / Amber
• Dylan
• Eli
• Elizabeth
• Ella
• Grace
• Jackson
• Jada / Joseph
• Jake
• Jason / Megan
• Jericho
• Jessica / Holly
• John Jr.
• Katelyn
• Livia
• Maggie
• Martin
• Michael
• Nicolas
• Rachel
• Reese
• Sofia
• Shea

Annie and John were preceded in death by one son, John Peter Pacylowski, Jr., and one grandson, Joseph Carl (Joey) Gross. Annie was preceded in death by six brothers and three sisters: Steven, John, Joseph, Frank, Michael Alexander, Albert Steven, Bernice Marie Gordzica Terody, Mary M. Gordzica Sadowsky, and Josephine Gordzica Friedlieb.

A private service for immediate family will be celebrated at a future date.


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IN LIEU OF FLOWERS
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Many have asked for details for sharing their sympathy with the family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for those wishing to express sympathy. Your thoughts will provide emotional support to the family and contributions will be applied to funeral and related expenses:


https://www.gofundme.com/annie-johnny-at-rest


The family is comforted knowing that, in death, Annie will join her groom. To honor the couple’s wish to be together in death, John’s ashes were saved until they could be mingled with Annie’s ashes. Prior to John’s death on March 1, 2018, John and Annie had not been separated since John was away in World War II.

Rest In Peace, Baba.
We miss you.

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