Kathleen Majewski
From Eliafamily
Contents |
Kathleen Marie Elia Majewski
| Kathleen Majewski | |
|---|---|
| |
| Fact File | |
| Birth Date: | March 17, 1948 |
| Family Information | |
| Lineage: | Sam Elia Lineage |
| Parent: | Sam Elia |
| Siblings: | Nancy Benton |
| Children: | Jennifer Majewski Andrea Erskine Jason Majewski |
Early Life
Kathleen (Kathy) Elia was born on March 17, 1948 to Samuel (Sam) Frances and Dorothy Ranallo Elia. St. Patrick's Day is traditionally a very snowy day in upstate New York and according to Dorothy, the day Kathy was born was no exception. She shares her birthday with her Uncle Angelo, one of Sam's younger brothers. Kathy remembers that Uncle Angelo called her every year on their birthday. She always looked forward to their conversation on that special day they shared together.
Another special memory Kathy has of growing up as an Elia are the family meals at Grandma Elia's house. "The food was the best and there was always a lot to eat. Just ask my husband John about how much he enjoyed eating his first Italian meal at Grandma's house at Christmas. My favorite part of the holiday meal was the spaghetti and meatballs. Grandma was a good cook," Kathy recalls.
According to Kathy, another favorite childhood experience was staying at Grandma Elia's on a Saturday night with her sister Nancy and her cousins Angela and Michele. She remembers Grandma Elia and Aunt Mary fixing steak and the "best fried potatoes in the world." They always were able to have coffee or tea with lots of milk in it and popcorn. "We had fun playing operator on the beds upstairs because the headboards had holes on them. We'd call back and forth to each other until Aunt Mary yelled up to us to go to sleep. We would get up early in the morning to watch The Little Rascals on the TV We didn't get to watch much TV at home," Kathy recalls.
Another memory she has is from a time when the family became too big to spend the holidays together at Grandma Elia's. Kathy remembers sharing the holidays with the Barbarossa's and the Benedicto's. Her favorite part of the day was when Uncle Mike, Sam's brother-in-law, would take all the kids to the movies.
Life In Germany
Kathy was happily married to John Majewski, her husband of 31 years. John and Kathy met at a dance at Nazareth College during her Freshman year. They dated all through college and were married on June 6, 1970. John had already been drafted into the Army in March of that year so in July he left for basic training. Kathy remembers it being difficult to be apart from him, but says that when the training was over John was sent to Germany and she was able to join him. Kathy recalls that her parents were not happy about her going to Germany and that if it wasn't for the wise advice of Grandma Elia she wouldn't have gone there to be with John. Kathy says that Grandma Elia told her parents that Kathy's place was with her husband. Grandma Elia told them that she had left her family to be with her husband. Kathy says that she will always be grateful for what Grandma Elia said. The trip to Germany turned out to be a great experience for both John and Kathy and their oldest daughter Jennifer was born while they were there. Kathy's parents and sister were able to visit after Jennifer was born. She was happy to have family around to share in this experience.
Back In The United States
After Germany, John and Kathy came back to East Rochester where Kathy still lives today. When Kathy became pregnant with their second child Andrea they decided to buy a house. The Majewski family moved into their new home in September and John and Kathy's second daughter Andrea was born in February. Four years later their son Jason was born and their family became "complete."
Over the years, Kathy has had various teaching jobs. She is now teaching four and five year-olds at a pre-school located not far from her home. She also works part time at a Country Curtains store. She says that she enjoys the diversity that having two jobs gives her. However, she emphasizes that, by far, the best job she has right now is babysitting her grandchildren. She says that they bring so much joy to her life. "Being a grandparent is the very best!"
Kathy is so glad her daughter Jennifer decided to get an Elia Family Reunion going again. She has fond memories of all the reunions that the Canandaigua and Kingston families so graciously hosted for so many years. She wants Sarah, Sam, Jake, and Ian to be able to experience those same memories. "We have a family to be proud of," says Kathy.
John Joseph Majewski
John Joseph Majewski was born on September 5, 1947 in North Tonawanda, New York to John Joseph Majewski and Victoria Ostrowski Majewski. John remembers having a good childhood, noting that his parents were always there for him. He says that they did many things together as a family. Sundays and holidays were always spent with relatives. He recalls growing up in a wonderful neighborhood. A large outdoor pool, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and playgrounds were all walking distance from his house. He also fondly remembers having plenty of playmates.
John met Kathy Elia when he attended St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York to study Math and Education. Thirty-two years after graduation from college, John was still working as a high school math teacher in the East Rochester School District where he was offered his first job.
John said that he would always remember visiting Grandma Elia. "She would offer me a little glass of anisette or home-made dandelion wine and cookies. She was very accepting of me as were all of the Elias. I remember the first holiday meal I had at Grandma Elia's house with all the relatives. She served an antipasto. My father-in-law, Sam Elia, gave me a hot pepper that really burned my throat to the amusement of all his brothers. Grandma served spaghetti and meatballs, which she kept encouraging me to eat. I ate till I was stuffed. Nobody told me there were more courses. Then, out came the potatoes, chicken, vegetables, salad, fruits, and nuts. Needless to say, I was in trouble. I have always enjoyed being with the Elia Family. They are very friendly and get along together so well." John also said that he would also always cherish the memories of the Elia reunions at Canandaigua and Kingston.
In John's later years he greatly enjoyed spending time with his first granchild, Sarah Bacci.
On July 25, 2002, John lost a long battle with primary pulmonary hypertension. He will be deeply missed.
Synopsis of Dates
- Kathy's Birthday: March 17, 1948
- John's Birthday: September 5, 1947
- Wedding Anniversary: June 6, 1970
- John's Death: July 25, 2002
