Sister Agnese Palczynski

She was born in Utica, New York, on September 16, 1937, to Agnes and Chester Palczynski. Her younger sister, Helene, joined the family fourteen years later. Upon graduation from high school, Sister Agnese entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth on September 8, 1955.

Sister Agnese received her BA in Psychology and Education from Holy Family University in Philadelphia and her Masters Degree in Religious Studies from St. Charles Seminary in Philadelphia, PA.

Sister Agnese served the children and families of Little Flower Children Services, Wading River, NY, for thirty-two of her sixty-four years in ministry. In addition to her years at Little Flower Children Services, Sister also spent several years as an elementary school teacher ministering in schools in Brooklyn, NY and Springfield, MA. Sister worked as Co-director of the Day Care at St. Christopher’s Home in Sea Cliff, NY, and served six years as Provincial of the Monroe Province of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

Sister experienced health issues in 2022, which necessitated her move to Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent in Monroe, CT. Upon retirement, she enjoyed the beauty of nature, quiet moments in chapel in prayer and staying connected with family, friends and former co-workers. Sister Agnese suffered many health issues during the final two years of her life. After numerous trips to the hospital, her body grew weaker, and Sister was placed on hospice.

Sister is survived by the Sisters of her Religious Community, her sister Helene Smith, brother-in-law, James Smith and her nephews Brian and Andrew Barlow, several cousins, and their families. Funeral services for Sister Agnese will take place in Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, Monroe, CT on November 18, 2025. Hours for visitation are 10am – 11:30am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30am. Condolences may be left at SpadaccinoFuneralHome.com