OSWEGO, NY – Tillie Kostoroski, daughter of the late Andrew and Laura Pawlenko, passed away on Monday August 22, 2016, in Oswego.
Tillie worked in the medical field for many years, 26 years for Dr. Riley, six years for Dr. Mahon, and 12 years for Dr. Mandanas.
When her heart allowed it, she served and volunteered with many organizations.
She belonged to the Polish Legion of American Veterans (PLAV) for more than 60 years where she also served as president on several occasions.
She volunteered with RSVP Volunteers where she helped with Meals on Wheels.
She volunteered for a short time at St. Luke’s working in its store and wrapping Christmas presents.
She also crocheted blankets for the Hannibal American Legion.
She traveled to bluegrass festivals for many years with her husband, family and all the children, following her brother’s band playing musical instruments and singing.
Tillie also enjoyed reading, playing cards with her friends and crocheting.
She enjoyed being nice to people and visiting with her former school friends.
She attended and also taught religious education at St. Stephen’s Church.
In her later years, she attended services at Simeon Dewitt due to her health.
Tillie is survived by her sisters, Anne Dibble, Mary Phillips and her husband Ted.
She dearly loved her family and is survived by her daughter, Christine Benzing and her husband Tom, her sons Gary Kostoroski, Keith Kostoroski and his wife Tammy; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Tillie was predeceased by her loving husband of 57 years, John Kostoroski, who passed away in 2008.
She was also predeceased by her brother, Andy Pawlenko; her sister-in-law, Ardy Pawlenko; and her brother-in-law, John Dibble.
A memorial mass will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. from St. Stephen’s Church.
Burial will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Dowdle Funeral Home on Friday from 9 -10 a.m.
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I am so sad to hear this . Tillie was a good friend to myself and my Inlaws . I always enjoyed talking to her. She will be missed. Condolences to the family.
Tillie was a friend of my parents & I. She was a very nice lady. She always called me her “second” daughter. Mary, her sister, use to take me to her house on summer vacation, when I was a teenager, to have company with Chris, (Tillie’s) daughter, some times. Seen her in the past years too. My thoughts & prayers are with the family. JOAN M. PHILLIPS
Tillie was an angel and a great friend to my mother after she fell very ill and lived in Loretto nursing home. I always enjoyed her (and John’s) company whenever they spent time at the house I grew up in on Tallman Street. They were best friends with my mother and father.
Tillie was one of the most genuine, generous people I ever met and I’ll always appreciate her for what she gave to my family.
Tillie & John were valued friends of my parents and were part of the road trip group they always enjoyed. Tillie’s laughter was infectious, and her caring ways are what stand out in my mind when I think of her. She was a faithful visitor when my mother was in a nursing home, and she would come prepared to give Mom a nice hairdo.
She was a kind, caring person. My sincere sympathy to her children and siblings.
Tillie and her husband John were fantastic Polka dancers! Tillie will be missed by her Polka friends.