Hazel D. Zbytniewski

Ava - Hazel D. Zbytniewski, 96, formerly of West Branch, passed away on Thursday, June 24 at the Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Boonville, while surrounded by her loving family. She was born in North Osceola on July 11, 1913, a daughter of Richard and Elnora (Walters) Dean. Hazel grew up in North Osceola and graduated from Pulaski High School. She continued her education at Oswego State Teachers College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in education. Mrs. Zbytniewski greatly enjoyed her teaching career lasting over fifty years, first in the elementary grades at West Leyden Central School, and finally as a substitute elementary teacher for the Rome City School District. On July 7, 1945, Hazel was united in marriage with Steve Zbytniewski in Redfield, NY. The couple made their home on the Grange Hill Road in West Branch, where they lived for many years. Hazel also lived on the Capron Road in the town of Lee. Mr. Zbytniewski, a veteran of WWII, died on August 17, 1974. Hazel was a long time member of Ava Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school for many years; she was a member of the Ladies Aid Society, the Lee Center Senior Citizens, and was Secretary of the West Branch Grange. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Joseph C. and Claudia of West Leyden; a daughter, Ms. Nydean A. Zbytniewski of Lee Center, with whom she lived prior to entering the nursing home; four grandchildren, Kristie Haley, Shelly Smith, and Steven and Timothy Zbytniewski; and three great-grandchildren, Brian Harrer, Brittany Whittman, and Brenda Edwards. She was predeceased by four brothers, Leon, Leonard, Stanley and Ronald, and by a sister, Violet Darling. Her funeral will be Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at the Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler Street, Boonville, where Rev. Lamar Claypool, pastor of the Ava United Methodist Church will officiate. Interment will be in Ava Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lee Center Fire Company or Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 232 Academy St., Boonville, NY 13309. Please use the "Sign Guestbook" link below to leave on online message of sympathy or to share a memory of Hazel.