Kathleen A (Maliszewski) Florell

Kathleen Ann Florell, 64, passed away on Monday, June 27, 2022 after a long battle with Leukemia. Born in Schenectady on July 27, 1957, she is the daughter of the late Leonard Maliszewski and Irene (Garb) Maliszewski. Kathleen was a 1975 graduate of Mont Pleasant High School, and has been a life-long resident of Schenectady County. She was employed for the last 8-years at the Schenectady County Clerk’s office, as a Senior Clerk. Throughout life, Kathleen has enjoyed camping on Great Sacandaga Lake, tending to her flower gardens, and painting ceramics. She collected many things from Precious Moments, Bunny Figurines, Christmas Ornaments, and Pins from locations she has traveled. She loved her family, and enjoyed hosting Holiday’s at her home, especially Christmas. Even though she would never confess to being a great cook, her signature dishes were onion encrusted chicken, chicken parmigiana, and homemade dry-rubbed BBQ Ribs. Kathleen tirelessly battled Leukemia since March 2012 with both multiple rounds of chemotherapy and an unwavering hopefulness. Over the last 10 years, she lived by her favorite quote; “Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” Over this time, she traveled to her favorite places; Lake Placid, Cape Cod, Maine, Vermont, Cooperstown, Disneyworld, among others. She got to cheer for her favorite baseball team (New York Mets) with her husband and son at both Shea Stadium and Citi Field. She enjoyed attending local craft fairs, balloon festivals, and seafood festivals. Kathleen became selfless, and in many of her toughest days, finding the desire to donate to some of her favorite charities, and also inquire about many friends and loved ones that were also going through tough times. Her final days often included inquiries about the health and happiness of those she loved and cared for. Kathleen is eternally loved by her Husband; JeffreyFlorell, Son; Matthew Florell, Sister; Karen (Dan) Woodward, Brothers, Gary (Arlene) Maliszewski, and Chris Maliszewski, Furry-Granddaughter; Kaia. Services will be held privately by the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kathleen’s name may be made to her favorite charities; The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Wounded Warriors Project, Saint Jude’s Children Hospital, and the ASPCA. To my beautiful wife and best friend of 40-years. My heart is broken and my soul weeps with your passing. You taught me the meaning of true love and for that I am eternally grateful. I thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your life. The last 40-years have been filled with highs, lows, and everything in-between. Through dedication, respect, understanding, love, and a little hard work, we never gave up on the promise we made to each other the day we got married. You were and still are a true example of everything that is good and I cannot express enough how truly devastated I am that you had to endure such pain and suffering at the end of your 10-year battle with cancer. This devastating feeling of pain, sorrow, emptiness and loss I feel will only be healed by the memories of our time together and the vision of your face. I will Miss You Everyday and Love You Forever. Rest in Peace, my Darla. To my brave and selfless Mother. My entire life has been supported and guided by your compassion and intelligence. From childhood to adulthood, you have given me all the support that I required, accompanied with none of the pressure or expectations. Your willingness to teach me what I needed to know while allowing me to figure out what I needed to learn has made me into the Man that I am today. That freedom to live my life, but know that you were always there to guide me and support me has allowed me to understand that nothing is impossible, and failure is never something to be ashamed or discouraged of. My heart breaks not only for my loss, but for yours. For the pain and suffering you experienced during your battle. For the time that was taken away from you during your fight, and the time that you should still have. The sadness that I feel is only overcome by the happiness that I have being able to say that you are my mother, and that you will forever be my mother. You will always be with me as I continue through this life. I will always hear your voice and feel your presence when I need you the most. I will carry your wisdom with me in every decision I make. I’ve done my best to make you proud in life, and I will work even harder to do-so in death. I am a direct reflection of the person you are, and I will always take pride in that. Your memory will live on through me and everything that I do and accomplish, because of the person you taught me to be. Until I see you again, I Love You.