Switala, Rose Caroline

Rose Caroline Switala died Tuesday, May 4th at the Baptist Home in Rhinebeck, NY. She was 96. Born in Buffalo, New York on August 24, 1913 she was one of six daughters and three sons born to Anthony and Ursula Nowak.

On January 24, 1933 she married Stephen S. Switala. Together they operated a popular restaurant in Buffalo until Mr. Switala's death in 1970.

In 2003 Mrs. Switala moved to Rhinebeck to be nearer to family, living first with her daughter and son-in-law and then becoming a resident of the Baptist Home.

Before her eyesight failed, she enjoyed knitting and crocheting and made many beautiful sweaters, caps and baby blankets as well as exquisite bedspreads and lace tablecloths. Mrs. Switala was also well-known for her sharp wit and frank remarks.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Rosemary and Richard Bialek of Rhinebeck, her three grandchildren and their spouses on whom she doted: Dr. Stephanie R. Bialek and Richard P. Winston of Atlanta, Ga; Thomas R. and Susan Stagnitta Bialek of Hyde Park, NY; and Jonathan R. and Emily Druchunas Bialek of Gilsum, NH; her great-grandson, Samuel Richard Bialek, of Gilsum, NH; and several nieces and nephews in the Buffalo, NY area.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of the Baptist Home for the care and devotion Mrs. Switala received there.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Paul's Church in Staatsburg, NY on May 29, 2010 at noon. Burial in Buffalo, New York will be at the convenience of the family.