Eunice Rebe Kwasniewski

EUNICE REBE KWASNIEWSKI, May 2, 1928 – November 2, 2023, Elkins, WV:

After an amazing 95 years, Eunice Rebe Kwasniewski passed away on November 2, 2023 with her children and loved ones by her side. Eunice was born May 2, 1928, in Ava, NY to the late Herbert and Grace Rebe. She graduated from West Leyden School and attended Becker Junior College in Worcester, MA. After graduation Eunice worked as a secretary for the US Naval Department in Washington, DC. She returned to Ava, NY, and married Joseph Charles Kwasniewski on October 6, 1951.

Eunice and Joe settled in West Leyden, NY and started their family. Along with being a wonderful cook, wedding cake designer, gardener, homemaker, and mother of five, she worked for Revere Copper and Brass, and the family-owned sawmill, JC Lumber Company.

The saying ‘behind every great man is a great woman’ is true with Eunice. She was a vital part of Joe’s local and state political campaigns. She was involved with her children’s hobbies; school/church/community events; and volunteerism. An active member of the West Leyden Volunteer Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary, Eunice organized many Polish dinners and dances to raise funds and purchase equipment for her community. Eunice and Joe were strategic in bringing the New York State Woodsmen’s Field Days to Boonville. They gave continual support to many hardwood and lumber associations in both New York and West Virginia. In 1977 the family moved to Mabie, WV to operate a new sawmill after a fire destroyed the mill in New York and that legacy remains. That is when West Virginia became her home.

For 33 years they were inseparable, until Joe’s unexpected passing in 1985.

Through her determination and hard work, she brought their vision to reality and Eunice established the Cardinal Inn Bed & Breakfast in Huttonsville, WV. For more than 28 years, The Cardinal Inn hosted gatherings, holiday parties, bridge clubs, weddings and overnight stays for hunters, fishermen, dignitaries, and guests from around the world. Eunice served as President of the Potomac Highlands Council, an adviser to the WV Tourism Commission, and a member of the West Virginia State Bed & Breakfast Association. In her later years, she worked at Stone and Thomas in Elkins during the holiday seasons and volunteered at both Davis Memorial Hospital and ERCC’s gift shops.

She is survived by her children; Herbert Kwasniewski (Pamela) of Beverly, WV, and four grandchildren, Haley, Amber, Matthew and Michael; Joanne Kwasniewski-Ritter (Rick) of Forestport, NY, and three grandchildren, Emily, Joseph and Andrea; Andrea Kniffen (William) of Beverly, WV, and two grandchildren, Desire and Dustin; Daniel aka ‘Beander’ (Julia) of Elkins, WV, and one grandchild, Dalton; and Regina Chambers (Kevin) of Boonville, NY, and two grandchildren, Gavin and Grace.

She is preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law Leo and Marge Rebe; and an infant brother.

She was blessed to love and hold her 17 great-grandchildren (3 more on the way!): Chiron, Evelyn, Stella, Grant, Polson, Ava, Stanley, Anderson, Regan, Paycee, Hadley, Axton, Elsie, Emma, Chase, Coy, Claire, and Preston. Eunice shared her love of knitting by making blankets, hats, scarves, and mittens for all of her children.

She would say her greatest accomplishment was her children.

The Kwasniewski family is incredibly grateful for Eunice’s caregivers at Mountain Hospice, Mountain Care Living, and the staff at Davis Memorial Hospital. Special gratitude to Natalie Kniffen, granddaughter, for her nursing care during Eunice’s final days.

In keeping with her wishes there are no calling hours. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, November 7, at 12 Noon at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, West Leyden, NY, where Rev. Daniel Chapin, pastor will officiate. Burial will immediately follow with graveside service at Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, West Leyden. Arrangements have been entrusted to Randolph Funeral Home, Valley Bend, WV and Trainor Funeral Home, Inc.,Boonville, NY. A Celebration of Life will be held at Beander’s Restaurant, Elkins, WV at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the West Leyden Fire Department, 1046 State Route 26, West Leyden, NY 13489.