Loretta A. Szalkowski

Loretta (Skrzypek) Szalkowski, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on January 11, at the age of 94.

Raised in Dunkirk, New York, Loretta devoted her life to faith, family, and service.

She is survived by her children Richard Szalkowski, Wendy (Pat) Poweski, and Scott (Denise) Szalkowski, and daughter-in-law Kathy Szalkowski. She was predeceased by her husband Daniel Szalkowski and her son James (Jim) Szalkowski (Kathy). Loretta was one of 12 siblings and is also survived by her sister Mary Farrell.

She was a proud grandmother to Jessica (Jeff) Sutton, Megan Szalkowski, Leanne (Doug) Reynolds, Kristin Szalkowski, Ashley (Paul) Herrmann, Matthew Szalkowski, and Michael Szalkowski, and a loving great-grandmother to Harry, Daniel, and Kaydence Sutton, and Jackson and Loretta Reynolds.

A devoted Catholic, Loretta was active at St. Hyacinth Church, serving as Secretary of the Rosary Society and volunteering with the parish and school. She also volunteered at St. Columban’s on the Lake, where she formed lasting friendships.

Loretta worked at Brooks Memorial Hospital and the Faculty Student Association at SUNY Fredonia.

She welcomed everyone into her home, especially during the holidays—believing the more people gathered around her table, the better. Her home, and her presence, embraced family, friends, beloved dogs, and even neighborhood stray cats. She especially enjoyed sitting on her back patio with family, soaking in the sunshine and watching the birds. She taught her grandchildren how to make her famous pierogies and placek, and they fondly remember her singing Polish lullabies. She enjoyed playing cards with her husband and family for more than 20 years and cherished her extensive collection of angels. Her faith was central to her life, and she held a special devotion to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, her favorite saint. Loretta’s life reflected quiet faith and generous love, and her family finds comfort in believing she is now surrounded by the angels she held so dear.

Relatives and friends are welcome to attend Calling Hours on Friday, January 16, 2026 from 4-7 p.m. at R. Mackowiak Funeral Home, Inc.; 56 East Doughty Street, Dunkirk, NY. The Blessed Mary Angela Rosary Society will recite the rosary at 6:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the Blessed Mary Angela Roman Catholic Church of St. Hyacinth; 295 Lake Shore Drive E., Dunkirk, NY. Interment will be held in St. Hyacinth's Cemetery. Arrangements are by R. Michael Mackowiak III; R. Mackowiak Funeral Home, Inc.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Blessed Mary Angela Parish or a charity of one’s choice.