Obituary of Jean M. Pokrzywka

Dateline: Burnt Hills

Jean M. Pokrzywka, 97, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Born in Rotterdam, NY, she was the daughter of the late Olin and Beulah (Wren) Earls where she attended John Bigsbee School. She married her first husband, the late Joseph Knizek Jr. on February 28, 1942. Together they had three children. Joseph passed away on November 16,1963. Jean married her second husband, the late Stanley Pokrzywka on November 27, 1965. They shared 53 years of marriage prior to his passing on April 1, 2018. Once the children were grown, Jean went to work for the Burnt Hills Ballston Lake School District as a Custodian. She faithfully worked for the school district for 24 years, prior to retiring in 1992. Following her retirement, she continued to volunteer at Charlton Heights Elementary School for almost another 20 years. She was loved by many and known as Miss Jean. Jean loved her flower gardens and was a member of the Empire State Gladiolus Society. She also enjoyed puzzles, gardening, country music, Mayberry and making cookies for all during the holiday season. Above all she enjoyed spending time with her family and will be remembered forever for her giving nature.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Joanne Riggs (Robert Clawson), Joseph W. Knizek III and Joyce Murphy (Neil). Her grandchildren Joseph Knizek, Henry Shatley (Susan), Jean Shatley-Mason (Jason Mason), Kelly Murphy (Chuck Ellis) and Kristy Murphy (Tommy McMann). Great grandchildren Damon Mason, Gavin Mason and Wendy Matilainen (John). Also surviving is Gail Mann, who was like another daughter, her longtime friends Marilyn Wukits, Nadine Szewczyk, and James Hall. Her canine companion Honda the Husky, feline companions Mama and Rosie and several nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her first husband Joseph Knizek Jr, her second husband Stanley Pokrzywka and her sisters Lois Decker (Theodore), Shirley Scheuer (Alf) and Dorothy Tompkins (Bob). 

A calling hour for Jean will be held on Monday, August 2, 2021 from 10-11am at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville. A funeral service will follow at 11am at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest with Stanley at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY.

With Miss Jean's love of flowers, the family welcomes flowers. Memorial donations in her name may also be made to the Community Hospice 310 S. Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208, for the wonderful care she received. Online condolences www.glenvillefuneralhome.com