Also known as Amy or Mila to her close family, Amelia Frances Swantkowski of Duryea, Pennsylvania was born in Duryea on 6 November 1926. She was married to Emil Paul Swantkowski, also of Duryea, for 33 years until his death in 1981. They had three children, Mark, Marilyn and David. Amelia died at her daughter’s home on 2 April, 2020 at age 93 from complications following a stroke. She was the youngest and last surviving of seven children born to Jan Pietruszewski and Marianna Lewandowska of Duryea. 

If there is one word to describe Amelia’s life it would be selfless. She expressed her caring nature in everything she did from raising her family, serving her church, singing, baking, quilting, crocheting, and caregiving for seven family members and a friend during their terminal illnesses. 

Amy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and aunt. She provided a comfortable home for her family and supported Emil throughout his career with IBM and service to St. Mary’s Polish National Catholic Church as choir director and organist. She lovingly celebrated holidays with her family, creating festive decorations, delicious holiday foods, and ingenious homemade costumes for her children at Halloween. She also maintained her mother’s home and cared for her needs until her death in 1985.

Amelia was well known for her desserts which she generously shared with family, close friends and in support of church fundraisers. No matter how far away they might be, family members knew they could look forward to a package of traditional Polish baked goods at holiday time; a labor of love Amy has passed on to her daughter and granddaughter. Amelia also maintained contact and sent care packages of clothing to extended family in Poland for many years.

Amelia was skilled in quilting and crocheting. When friends and family celebrated special occasions, they would receive a handmade quilt or afghan as a wedding or baby gift. She continued crocheting afghans for those she loved into the last year of her life.

Of all her talents, however, Amelia’s most beautiful gift was her singing voice. Although she had no formal training, she sang with several choirs over the years including the Schubert Musical Club in Scranton and the National United Choirs of the Polish National Catholic Church. She was a fixture in St. Mary’s Polish National Catholic Church choir under the direction of her husband Emil, and frequently sang for weddings and funerals. But those of us who lived with her benefited most from Amy’s love of singing as she would break into song as she did housework throughout the day. Songs from musicals were among her favorites and we will carry the sound of her voice singing “Oh What A Beautiful Morning”, “Summertime”, “The Sound of Music” and “Edelweiss” in our hearts always. Amelia and Emil’s musical talent lives on in their children Mark and Marilyn.

Amelia is survived by her children, Mark Swantkowski, Marilyn Swantkowski-Hughes and David Swantkowski, who cared for his mother through the last years of her life. Also, son-in-law Bill Hughes, two grandchildren – Kia and Jenna, six great-grandchildren and many adoring nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services and interment will be private. She will be interred alongside her husband in St. Mary’s Polish National Catholic Cemetery in Duryea. Arrangements are by the Bernard J. Piontek Funeral Home Inc., 204 Main Street, Duryea.  To leave an online condolence for Amelia's family, please visit the funeral home website, www.piontekfuneralhome.com.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Emil Swantkowski Scholarship Fund. Make checks out to National United Choirs Music Scholarship Fund and mail to NUC Treasurer Dr. Jim Ploskonka, 349 Justo Lane, Seven Hills, OH 44131. Please use the form found at the following website or otherwise indicate your donation is intended for the Emil Swantkowski Scholarship Fund in memory of Amelia Swantkowski.
https://nucmusicscholarship.weebly.com/uploads/6/1/5/2/6152312/donation_form.pdf

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Guestbook Entries

So very sad of Amy's passing. She was always a bright light to everyone she knew and met. There will never be another like her. Our family will miss her very much. Our prayers go out to her, and to Mark, Marilyn and David. Heaven has gained a wonderful lady. We we always cherish her and keep her in our prayers.

Paul & Julla Pietruszewski (over 4 years ago)

I was so lucky to have both you and Uncle Emil in my life.

Cynthia Swantkowski Rios (over 4 years ago)

It was such a pleasure to have you as my aunt and enjoyed both you and Uncle Emil in my life.

Cynthia Swantkowski Rios (over 4 years ago)

Mrs. Swantkowski was a wonderful neighbor and will be missed. Mrs. Swantkowski took pride in her family and her home. She always had the most beautiful flowers and took pride in her lawn and landscaping.

The Levandoski Family (over 4 years ago)

God Bless You All Mila Is in a much better place, Heartfelt Condolances in these trying times.

Henry and Cathy Swantkowski and family. (over 4 years ago)

God has her now & she is surrounded by her eternal family. Mark, Marilyn & David, my heart aches for you. Remembering the good memories does help ease some of the hurt. She was a loving, giving Aunt.

Cousin Chrissy (over 4 years ago)

So sorry to hear of Aunt Mila's passing. She was the last member of the greatest generation of our family. I pray she is enjoying an eternal happy reunion with them all as she well deserves it. My heart is with you, always, Mark, Marilyn and David.

Jane Pellegrini (over 4 years ago)

Very sorry for your loss.

John Anderika (over 4 years ago)

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